Kentucky Derby Odds for Patch Adams Take Shape

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Patch Adams Triumphs in Southwest Stakes: Kentucky Derby Odds Take Shape

The Road to the Kentucky Derby heated up at Oaklawn Park on Saturday when the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, a critical stop on the Kentucky Derby prep race circuit, was run.

As Kentucky Derby betting gains momentum and Kentucky Derby odds become sharper focus, the Southwest Stakes offered a compelling clash of rising stars and seasoned contenders.

Patch Adams Lives Up to the Hype

Patch Adams, trained by Brad Cox, delivered on his growing reputation with a decisive victory in the Southwest Stakes. Making his stakes and two-turn debut, the three-year-old colt proved that his dominant 10½-length maiden win at Churchill Downs in November was no fluke. 

Under jockey Flavien Prat, Patch Adams surged from a stalking position to overtake the leaders in the stretch, crossing the finish line two lengths clear of the field.

The win earned Patch Adams critical points toward Derby qualification and solidified his status as a serious Kentucky Derby contender. His victory will likely attract further attention in Derby futures wagering, where he was already the 12-1 second choice in the most recent pool.

Prat praised the colt’s performance: “He’s still learning, but today he showed his potential. He had a perfect trip and responded when I asked him to. He’s an exciting horse to ride.”

Gaming Falls Short

Despite entering as the 2-1 morning line favorite, Gaming—the field’s only graded stakes winner—failed to capitalize on his class edge. Trained by Bob Baffert, Gaming lacked the late kick needed to match Patch Adams, ultimately finishing third. 

While his prior experience made him a popular choice among bettors, his inability to handle the competition raises questions about his viability as a top Derby prospect.

Baffert remained optimistic despite the result: “He’s a talented horse, but he didn’t have his best day. We’ll regroup and look for another prep to get him back on track.”

Tiztastic Surprises with Runner-Up Finish

Tiztastic, better known for his turf success, defied expectations with a solid second-place effort. Listed at 17-1, the colt displayed improved dirt form and held off more experienced rivals to secure his best performance on this surface.

The Field Struggles to Impress

Beyond the top finishers, the Southwest Stakes highlighted the gap between Patch Adams and the rest of the field. Sandman and Speed King, well-regarded in pre-race analysis, failed to mount serious challenges, finishing off the board. Meanwhile, longshot Bon Temps, at 97-1, lived up to his odds, trailing the pack in last place.