8Final Gambit

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Final Gambit?

Final Gambit lived up to his name at Turfway Park—rolling the dice in a bold move and hitting the jackpot in the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks. With a sweeping, stretch-drive surge, the bay colt claimed one of the season’s key 100-point Kentucky Derby prep races and punched his ticket to Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox and owned by Juddmonte farm, Final Gambit entered the Jeff Ruby as a lightly regarded outsider, but that status didn’t last long. Sitting off the pace in the early stages, he launched a decisive rally around the far turn and took command in the lane, holding off the competition with confidence to seal the biggest win of his career.

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Final Gambit is by 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner out of the Smart Strike mare Final Redemption. His pedigree blends class and composure—qualities he’s starting to showcase as he matures at just the right time.

The Jeff Ruby Steaks marked his third win in five starts and a major leap forward. More than just a Derby qualifier, the race demonstrated his ability to handle synthetic footing, tactical positioning, and the pressure of high-stakes competition. Now, with 100 Road to the Kentucky Derby points secured, Final Gambit is all in for the Run for the Roses.

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