‘Perfect Progression’: Unbeaten Salahudin Takes Iroquois In Road To Kentucky Derby Kickoff

Zedan Racing Stables’ Salahudin is the early points leader on the 2027 “Road to the Kentucky Derby” after the Uncle Mo colt overcame a slow start and rallied to win Saturday’s 45th running of the $300,000 Iroquois (G3) for 2-year-olds at Churchill Downs.

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Ridden by Jose Oritz, Salahudin scored by a half-length over He Is No Lie. Caribbean Life was another 2¾ lengths back in third, Real Goodbar was fourth and Real Gone finished fifth.

Sent to post as the odds-on 4-5 betting choice, Salahudin – an Arabic masculine name that means “righteousness of the faith” – ran one mile over a fast track in 1:36.54.

Ortiz, riding for trainer Bob Baffert, replaced regular rider Florent Geroux, who remained in stable condition at University of Louisville Hospitalafter a Thursday afternoon fall.

“We were thinking about Florent today,” Ortiz said. “I was able to watch the last two replays and see how Florent rode him and how he ran. He broke a little slow again today but got into a comfortable rhythm. He’s a big horse and takes a little time to get going into his best stride. But once he did, he kept finding more to get to the front.”

Salahudin, unbeaten in three starts, banked the $181,710 first prize and 10 points on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” that will determine the field for next year’s 153rd Kentucky Derby (GI) on May 1, 2027 at Churchill Downs. The Iroquois was the first in a series of 36 select races on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” and the top five finishing positions earned points on a sliding scale of 10-5-3-2-1, respectively.

Breaking from post position No. 5 in field of seven 2-year-olds, Salahudin was away slowly and spotted the field several lengths as Bearamour dictated the pace through early fractions of :22.85 and :46.35 with He Is No Lie stalking from second. Salahudin only had Caribbean Life beat early on but began to move into contention around the turn with a sweeping four-wide move.

Salahudin, racing in the center of the track, poked his head in front of He Is No Lie, the Bashford Manor runner-up and Best Pal (GIII) fourth, with a furlong to the finish and grinded his way to the hard-fought triumph.

“I feel so bad for Florent being injured because he got him ready,” Baffert said. “Jose Ortiz got the horse into a nice rhythm. I’m glad he was able to take his time with him up the backside and not rush him.”

Salahudin paid $3.98 for the win. He Is No Lie outfinished Caribbean Life by 2 3/4 lengths for second in the field of seven.

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They were followed by Real Goodbar, Real Gone, Bearamour and Admiral’s Order. Antivenom and Blessed Flyer were scratched.

Salahudin, a Kentucky-bred is unbeaten in three career starts and has earned $392,172. Previously, he won the Ellis Park Juvenile by 4½ lengths after winning his July 17 debut at the Henderson, Ky. track by two lengths.

“It’s been a perfect progression so far to get his career started,” Baffert said. “He’s continued to mature each start.”

The dark bay or brown colt was bred by Newstead Corp. and is out of the Smart Strike mare Weekend Strike.

The next races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby come Saturday, Oct. 3 with the $650,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (GI) at Keeneland; $500,000 Champagne (GI) at Belmont Park; and $300,000 American Pharoah (GI) at Santa Anita.

Earlier on the 11-race Saturday card, 2-year-old colt Coach Pope – named for University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope, rolled to a jaw-dropping 12½-length maiden win in 1:35.77 under Ortiz. The son of Tapit, trained by Kenny McPeek, ran :0.77 faster than the experienced winner Salahudin.

IROQUOIS QUOTES

Jose Ortiz, jockey, Salahudin, winner: “We were thinking about Florent (Geroux) today. I was able to watch the last two replays and see how Florent rode him and how he ran. He broke a little slow again today but got into a comfortable rhythm. He’s a big horse and takes a little time to get going into his best stride. But once he did, he kept finding more to get to the front.”

Bob Baffert, trainer, Salahudin, winner: “I feel so bad for Florent (Geroux) being injured because he got him ready. Jose Ortiz got the horse into a nice rhythm. I’m glad he was able to take his time with him up the backside and not rush him. It’s been a perfect progression so far to get his career started. He’s continued to mature each start.”

Joel Rosario, jockey, He Is No Lie, runner-up: “I thought he ran a really good race today. Down the stretch I thought I could get the job done but (Salahudin) kept coming at us and got us late.”

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This story was originally published September 12, 2026 at 6:52 PM.