Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: First Resort

Dec 03, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Godolphin homebred First Resort picked up 10 points on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series following his 2 1/4-length tally in the $381,250 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 30. Trained by Eoin Harty and piloted by Luis Saez, the winner clocked 1 1/16 miles on the fast main surface in 1:43.01 enroute to his initial stakes triumph.

“We were in a perfect spot early in the race,” Saez said. “In his dirt races he was on the lead but he was able to track just off the leader today with the pace being pretty slow. Turning for home I could feel I had a lot of horse beneath me. He really took off down the lane and I could tell the further this horse goes it will be better.”

Jonathan’s Way, Tiztastic, Dapper Moon, and Render Judgement rounded out the top five under the wire and earned qualifying points on a 5-3-2-1 basis, respectively.

First Resort is on the #KentuckyDerby trail now! 🌹

He wins the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club at 6/1 for trainer Eoin Harty with @luissaezpty aboard! Another impressive win for @godolphin.

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3yznMMYq54

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 30, 2024

The son of Uncle Mo was unveiled at Ellis Park on July 5 and led at every call on his way to a posting a 3 1/2-length debut win while running 5 1/2 panels on the muddy course. He reappeared on August 10 at The Spa and led into late stretch prior to finishing second in the Saratoga Special S. (G2). The colt contested the Summer S. (G1) on September 14 over the Woodbine grass in his previous effort and came home a creditable fourth. His lifetime line now reads 4-2-1-0, $338,671.

First Resort is the first black-type winner produced from the Grade 1-winning Street Boss mare Fair Maiden, who earned her biggest score in the 2020 La Brea S. (G1). This female line traces back to 2000 Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine Secret Status.

The colt has registered Brisnet Speed numbers of 80-89-89-92 from four lifetime races to date, which includes a 104 Late Pace figure in his initial route attempt on the dirt in his most recent performance. First Resort is surely one to watch as he develops further into his sophomore season.