Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Paladin
In a highly anticipated rematch, Paladin turned the tables on his rival Renegade in Saturday’s Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, powering clear late to win by two authoritative lengths and bring his record to 2-for-2. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Balboa in third.
Their first encounter ended with Renegade finishing a head in front but he was disqualified for interference, adding extra intrigue to the Remsen rematch.
Trainer Chad Brown said Paladin lost his front right shoe during the running, yet the colt never took a misstep. He handled the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.97, closing with a solid 12.72 final furlong.
Campaigned by same powerhouse partnership that campaigned 2024 champion 3-year-old Sierra Leone, Paladin is following a similar script. Like Sierra Leone, another seven-figure Gun Runner colt, Paladin has shown precocious professionalism, elite bloodlines and the kind of gradual progression that screams classic potential. Sierra Leone came within a head of winning this same race two years ago; Paladin now delivers the Remsen trophy to the barn.
Bred by Summer Wind Equine, Paladin sold for $1.9 million at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale, the third-highest price of the auction. He has banked $184,250 in two starts, already chipping away at that lofty price tag.
Sire
2017 horse of the year Gun Runner (Candy Ride (ARG) – Quiet Giant, by Giant’s Causeway) continues to excel at stud, transmitting class and versatility to his progeny. The leading first-, second- and third-crop sire now is third on the national sire list with 13 graded winners.
Gun Runner stamped his first crop with star power, including champion 2-year-old Echo Zulu, Best Pal (G2) winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up Papacap, and four additional black-type winners. His runners excel from sprint distances through classic distances.
Those out of Tapit mares, however, haven’t won beyond 1 1/8 miles yet, though a few have knocked on the door of classic glory. Disarm was runner-up in both the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Travers (G1), and third in this year’s Whitney (G1).
The Gun Runner-Tapit cross has proven golden: 50 starters, 30 winners (60%), 10 stakes winners and combined earnings topping $13.95 million.
Distaff line
Paladin is the second Remsen Stakes winner in three generations of his distaff line. He is the third foal out of the unraced Secret Sigh (Tapit), whose first two foals are winless.
His second dam, India (Hennessy), was a high-quality race mare who won four stakes, most notably the Cotillion Handicap (G2) and Azeri Breeders’ Cup Stakes (G3), both at 1 1/16 miles. Her best foal, Mozu Ascot (Frankel), became a multiple Group 1 winner in Japan.
India’s half-sister, Pilfer, contributed further depth to the family. She produced three black-type horses: Grade 1 winner To Honor and Serve, who captured the 2010 Remsen; Grade 1 heroine Angela Renee, winner of the 2014 Demoiselle (G1); and Grade 1-placed Elnaawi. Pilfer is also the second dam of multiple Grade 1 winner La Cara.
Kentucky Derby contender or pretender?
History says tread carefully: Only twice in the last 30 years has the Remsen winner gone on to take the roses (Thunder Gulch 1994, Go for Gin 1993).
Remsen alumni, however, often excel. Just last year, Sierra Leone, Paladin’s stablemate, missed the Remsen by a head to Dornoch then finished second in the Kentucky Derby by a nose. Dornoch returned to capture the Belmont.
Other Remsen placers who later cracked the Derby superfecta include Zandon (2021), Mucho Macho Man (2010), Frosted (2014), Wicked Strong (2013), and Normandy Invasion (2012).
Paladin brings the complete package: a balanced, athletic frame; a long, efficient stride; a cool head in traffic; and genuine tactical speed.
Gun Runner’s Tapit-mares haven’t sealed the deal at 10 furlongs yet, but they keep coming oh-so-close. With Brown’s patient handling and a sophomore campaign that figures to mirror Sierra Leone’s step-by-step climb, Paladin has every credential to develop into a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender.