Home / Sports / Albus: Derby Longshot Needs Magic
Albus: Derby Longshot Needs Magic
30 Apr
Summary
- Albus, named after a 'Harry Potter' character, is a 30-1 longshot for the Kentucky Derby.
- He won the Wood Memorial but had a slow final eighth-mile and low Beyer Speed Figure.
- Albus's breeding and jockey change raise concerns about his performance at Derby distance.
Albus, named in homage to the 'Harry Potter' series' headmaster, enters the 2026 Kentucky Derby as a 30-1 longshot. He secured his place by winning the Wood Memorial after rallying from behind. This victory followed a maiden win at Tampa Bay Downs, where he won by over six lengths.
Despite the Wood Memorial win, Albus's performance metrics were concerning. He recorded a 83 Beyer Speed Figure and a slow 13.3-second final eighth-mile. His pedigree also suggests he may struggle with the Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance, as his sire's progeny perform less successfully in longer dirt races.
Adding to the uncertainty, jockey Manny Franco will ride Albus, replacing Jaime Torres who opted to ride another entrant. Historically, the Wood Memorial has produced few Kentucky Derby winners, with the last being Funny Cide in 2003. Albus's post position, the No. 2, is considered manageable, but his speed figures indicate he needs a highly favorable race scenario to contend.
