The Puma: Post 4; Morning Line: 8-1
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado Jockey: Javier Castellano
Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
It’s been said that Brazil “is the country of the future, and it always will be.” That cynical comment applies so far to The Puma, a teaser whose potential has surpassed his performance.
He’s been a buzz horse ever since he broke his maiden in his third start March 7 in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). He followed it with his best race yet, a nose loss to Commandment in the Florida Derby (G1). He missed the Kentucky Derby (G1) because of a leg infection, then returned in the Haskell (G1). He never got involved after bobbling at the break and dropping back to last in a field of seven. He made a mild late rally to finish fourth, 4¼ lengths behind 28-1 upsetter Baby Vino.
The Puma breezed 6 furlongs in 1:14.76 Aug. 21 at Saratoga for Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano, winner of a record seven Travers.
“He did amazing, he worked really good,” Castellano said. “He's got to show his talent now. Nobody knows, I don't even know, how talented he is.”
In the Travers, The Puma is up against the toughest field he’s ever faced. Trainer Gustavo Delgado thinks his colt will be at his best.
“He looked a lot more confident out there,” Delgado said. “The horse definitely loves it here.”
Can he beat Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) hero Golden Tempo, Jim Dandy (G2) winner Renegade, Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo and Commandment?
“We feel he is going to move forward off his last race,” Delgado said. “Whether that's good enough, we'll see.”
The Puma comes from behind, but not as quickly as division leader Golden Tempo and Renegade do. There doesn’t seem to be a path that will take him to the winner’s circle.
Expecting him to beat the best horses in the division is unrealistic. His speed figures aren't that good, and his running style won't help him against superior finishers. Throw him out.
-- By Ed McNamara
Ed McNamara is an award-winning racing writer who has covered the sport since 1981 for The Bergen (N.J.) Record, Newsday, ESPN, Thorocap, and USRacing. He is the author of Cajun Racing: From the Bush Tracks to the Triple Crown and Racing Around the World, and a contributor to The Most Glorious Crown and The Racetracks of America. He has also written for racing publications in France and Italy.
