The 2026 Holy Bull Stakes represents the first serious proving ground on the Florida road to the Kentucky Derby. Run at Gulfstream Park, this Grade 3 contest gives three-year-olds their first opportunity to earn meaningful qualifying points while stretching out around two turns against legitimate competition.
For trainers and owners with Derby ambitions, the Holy Bull Stakes is not optional. It is the earliest moment when raw talent must begin converting into tactical maturity. Bettors tracking the best Holy Bull Stakes odds know this race often exposes which colts are ready to progress and which are still living off juvenile hype. As the trail toward the 152nd Kentucky Derby begins to take shape, what happens in early February at Gulfstream tends to echo for months.
The 2026 Holy Bull Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The race headlines a stacked Saturday card featuring multiple stakes events and strong undercard wagering opportunities.
Gates generally open by mid-morning, with the first post around 12:00 PM ET. The Holy Bull itself is typically positioned as one of the final races on the program, with post time expected around 5:45 PM ET. Anyone planning to lock in Holy Bull Stakes betting tickets should monitor morning-line movement closely, as this race historically sees heavy late money.
Fans can watch the Holy Bull Stakes live through several national and digital platforms. The BUSR Experience streaming service provides high-definition live coverage for registered users, with integrated wagering tools that allow bettors to place bets in real time.
For those betting while watching, a stable internet connection is essential. Gulfstream’s tight turns and fast pace can flip the race in seconds, especially as the field hits the far turn. Missing the break or the first move is not recommended unless disappointment is your hobby.
The Holy Bull Stakes is part of one of Gulfstream’s strongest winter cards. Supporting stakes and allowance races create ideal conditions for multi-race wagers, including Pick 4s and Pick 5s.
Observing early races is critical. Gulfstream often develops a pace or positional bias, particularly when speed dominates the inner paths. If front-runners are holding comfortably earlier on the card, inside-drawn Holy Bull contenders gain a measurable advantage. Conversely, if closers are making sustained runs, expect bettors to adjust aggressively.
The Holy Bull Stakes has consistently produced elite talent. Recent winners such as White Abarrio, Greatest Honour, and Tiz the Law used this race as a direct stepping stone to major Triple Crown success.
Recent Holy Bull Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Burnham Square | Edgard J. Zayas | Ian R. Wilkes | Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC | 1:43.06 |
| 2024 | Hades | Paco Lopez | Joseph Orseno | D. J. Stable & Robert Cotran | 1:46.07 |
| 2023 | Rocket Can | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | Frank Fletcher Racing Operations | 1:44.97 |
| 2022 | White Abarrio | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | C2 Racing Stable & La Milagrosa Stable | 1:42.80 |
| 2021 | Greatest Honour | Jose L. Ortiz | Claude R. McGaughey III | Courtlandt Farms | 1:43.19 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | Manuel Franco | Barclay Tagg | Sackatoga Stable | 1:42.04 |
Historically, Holy Bull winners show tactical speed, composure around turns, and the ability to accelerate rather than simply grind. Gulfstream’s configuration favors horses who can stay engaged throughout the run, not just those with a single late kick.
This year’s Holy Bull field blends established stakes performers with upside-heavy prospects. Below is a breakdown of the main contenders based on current odds, form, and connections. Whether you’re searching for a logical favorite or a price horse worth building exotics around, these profiles outline the key variables shaping the 2026 Holy Bull Stakes.
| PP | Horse | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Incredibolt | 9/2 | William Mott | Jose A. Torres |
| SCR | SCR | SCR | ||
| 3 | Project Ace | 20/1 | Dale L. Romans | C. J. Lanerie |
| 4 | Global Aviator | 5/1 | Ralph G. Crichton | Joe Bravo |
| 5 | Cannoneer | 2/1 | Brad H. Cox | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| SCR | SCR | SCR | ||
| 7 | Nearly | 9/5 | Todd A. Pletcher | John R. Velazquez |
| 8 | Bravaro | 8/1 | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | Tyler Gaffalione |
| SCR | SCR | SCR |
Incredibolt (9-2)
Incredibolt enters as a steady presence with reliable form. Trained by William Mott and ridden by Jose A. Torres, this colt has shown the ability to maintain position and finish honestly. His 9-2 price reflects trust rather than hype. If the pace remains controlled, Incredibolt profiles as a strong win or exacta anchor.
Project Ace (20-1)
Project Ace represents the Dale L. Romans barn and will be piloted by C. J. Lanerie. While his odds suggest an uphill climb, his pedigree points toward stamina, and Romans is known for patience with developing colts. At 20-1, he fits the profile of a deep exotic inclusion rather than a win bet.
Global Aviator (5-1)
Trained by Ralph G. Crichton and ridden by Joe Bravo, Global Aviator offers a balanced combination of speed and adaptability. His 5-1 odds position him squarely in the second tier of contenders. If the early pace softens, he has the tactical flexibility to capitalize.
Cannoneer (2-1)
The likely favorite, Cannoneer comes from the Brad H. Cox barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. At 2-1, the market clearly respects his recent form and class edge. Cox’s Gulfstream record speaks for itself, and Cannoneer’s ability to sit just off the leaders makes him extremely dangerous turning for home.
Nearly (9-5)
Todd A. Pletcher sends out Nearly with Hall of Famer John R. Velazquez in the irons. At 9-5, this colt will absorb significant betting pressure. His pedigree and running style align perfectly with the Holy Bull profile, and Pletcher rarely places a horse here without confidence in its readiness.
Bravaro (8-1)
Bravaro, trained by Saffie A. Joseph Jr. and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, brings local familiarity and upside. At 8-1, he offers value for bettors willing to trust Gulfstream-based conditioning. If he takes a step forward off his last effort, he can crash the trifecta.
The 2026 Holy Bull Stakes projects a controlled but honest pace. Cannoneer and Nearly are expected to secure forward positions without forcing an early duel. That should allow mid-pack runners like Global Aviator and Bravaro to stalk comfortably.
Gulfstream’s stretch rewards horses who sustain momentum rather than launch late heroics. Saving ground into the far turn and timing the move precisely will matter more than raw speed figures. Expect the winner to emerge from the first six positions entering the final bend.
When betting the Holy Bull Stakes, structuring wagers around one or two key horses is essential. Cannoneer and Nearly provide the strongest foundation for vertical exotics, while Global Aviator and Bravaro offer value underneath.
Exacta and trifecta bettors should consider fading extreme closers unless the early races show a clear pace collapse. Always account for late scratches and tote action, as Gulfstream pools can shift dramatically in the final minutes before post.
The Holy Bull Stakes is where potential stops being theoretical. It is the moment when three-year-olds begin answering real questions under pressure, against peers who also belong.
For bettors, it offers clarity. For fans, it offers the first real glimpse of Derby aspirations taking shape. Whether you’re invested financially or emotionally, the Holy Bull Stakes delivers a sharp, revealing look at the next generation of classic contenders. Settle in, lock your tickets, and watch the road to Churchill Downs officially begin.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
