By Steve Sherack
After collecting a breakthrough victory in the inaugural Delaware Derby June 14, 'TDN Rising Star' Admiral Dennis (Constitution) will be pointed to the GIII West Virigina Derby at Mountaineer Aug. 3.
The Albaugh Family Stables colorbearer sat much closer to the pace than usual in second and drew off in the stretch to score by an impressive 3 1/4 lengths, good for a career-high 95 Beyer Speed Figure.
He was previously a frustrating and late-running sixth after losing contact with the field in the GII Rebel S. at Oaklawn Feb. 23 and a rallying fourth, beaten three lengths, in the GI Blue Grass S. at Keeneland Apr. 8.
“After the Blue Grass, we decided that we were gonna give him 60 days and regroup for the year and see if we could hit some of these summer Derbies,” Albaugh Family Stable's General Manager Jason Loutsch said. “Initially, it looks like it was a good decision to freshen him up a little bit.”
Loutsch continued, “The plan was to get him involved early (in the Delaware Derby). I didn't expect him to be that close to the lead, obviously. It was a new dimension. I'm just hoping that he's a maturing 3-year-old that can keep developing and have a great 4-year-old year as well.”
Admiral Dennis, one of 77 stakes winners worldwide for leading sire Constitution, is the first foal out of the stakes-winning Gulf Coast (Union Rags), who hails from the extended female family of the legendary A.P. Indy. The $425,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase is trained by Brad Cox.
Admiral Dennis was profiled in our 'Second Chances' series following a debut third at Churchill Downs last September.
“We've always thought an awful lot of him,” Loutsch said.
The inaugural Delaware Derby goes to #3 ADMIRAL DENNIS!
A big win by the son of @WinStarFarm Constitution, who is trained by @bradcoxracing for @Albaughstables. @luanmachado85 in the irons. pic.twitter.com/bIBSbiisJm
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 14, 2025
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