Holy Bull: Romans sees Triple Crown potential in Project Ace

Dale Romans will saddle Project Ace for a start in Saturday’s Grade 3, $275,000 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park with the belief that the son of War of Will has the potential to participate in the 2026 Triple Crown.

“I think his running style puts him in the game. We’ll give him a chance. We’ll figure out his level this weekend,” Romans said. “I know he’s got some quality about him. I love his running style. He does everything right. Smart horse.”

The Holy Bull, a 1 1/16-mile prep for the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on March 28 at Gulfstream, will headline a 12-race program with five stakes for 3-year-olds.

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Owned by Albaugh Family Stables, Project Ace will make his 2026 debut in the Holy Bull after breaking his maiden at 1 1/16 miles to finish off his 2-year-old campaign. After closing from 12th to third in his career debut going six furlongs at Churchill Downs Sept.16, he closed from far back to come up a nose short of victory at 1 1/16 miles Oct. 18 at Keeneland. He graduated at the Holy Bull distance with a last-to-first rally at Churchill Downs Nov. 15.

“He’s going to improve with distance and time,” Romans said. “He’ll be settling and come running. That’s just his style, and he’s always trained that way. That’s the way he’s run, and he’ll keep running that way.”

Races at 1 1/16 miles run around Gulfstream’s 1 1/8-mile main track finish at the first finish line, which might be at Project Ace’s disadvantage.

“He’s going to do his thing. The most concerning thing is the short stretch. He’ll have to get running a bit on the turn,” Romans said. “Hopefully, there’ll be a fast pace and he’ll get some horses to pick up at the end.”

Project Ace is expected to face six rivals, including Nearly, the 9-5 morning-line favorite who will make his stakes debut after back-to-back wins at Gulfstream for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Also in the field are Riley Mott-trained Incredibolt, who captured the 1 1/16-mile Street Sense (G3) at Churchill in his last 2025 start, and Brad Cox-trained Cannoneer, an impressive front-running maiden winner at Churchill who is expected to be a strong pace factor Saturday.

Romans would take special satisfaction if Project Ace continues to develop into a Triple Crown-calibre colt for Albaugh Family Stables, long-time clients for whom he has trained graded-stakes winners Not This Time, Brody’s Cause, Dennis’ Moment and Free Drop Billy.

“They always do the right thing. They run a great program, and you want to do well for them,” Romans said.

Corey Lanerie, who has been aboard Project Ace in his three races, has the return mount in the Holy Bull.