Flying Mohawk, a colt with a promising yet unconventional background, has secured a place in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Despite being ranked 21st on the final points leaderboard, Flying Mohawk gained entry after receiving a necessary defection. With a career marked by two wins and two second-place finishes over six starts, all of which were on synthetic or turf surfaces, this horse is set for his dirt debut. His sire Karakontie and dam Bonbons Fleur provide an intriguing pedigree, while veteran jockey Joe Ramos and trainer Whit Beckman will guide him through his first Kentucky Derby appearance.
Oddsmakers have listed Flying Mohawk as one of the biggest longshots at +6900 in Derby Futures. While he may seem overmatched against seasoned dirt competitors, his unique breeding and past performances offer potential surprises. Although sharp handicappers might dismiss him due to his lack of experience on dirt, his last-to-first move in previous races hints at hidden strengths that could emerge under the right conditions.
Unconventional Pedigree and Racing Background
Flying Mohawk’s lineage presents a fascinating blend of speed and endurance. As the offspring of Karakontie and Bonbons Fleur, his genetic makeup suggests a mix of traits suited for both turf and dirt racing. Karakontie, known for his impressive victory in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile, sired Sole Volante, who finished 11th in the 2020 Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, Bonbons Fleur, a daughter of Twirling Candy, brings the influence of Rombauer, the 2021 Preakness Stakes champion. This combination provides a strong foundation for potential success on various surfaces.
The colt's racing history includes notable victories on turf, where he displayed remarkable closing abilities. After initial struggles in his first three turf outings, Flying Mohawk achieved back-to-back wins, showcasing his adaptability and resilience. A standout performance came when he triumphed with a commanding 5 and ½ length lead at Churchill Downs, followed by another victory at Fairground, earning a career-best 97 Equibase speed figure. These achievements underscore his potential to excel despite challenges posed by different track conditions.
Riding into the Derby with New Challenges
As Flying Mohawk prepares for his Kentucky Derby debut, several factors contribute to his status as a longshot contender. Veteran jockey Joe Ramos, known for his expertise primarily at Horseshoe and Turfway Park, makes his Kentucky Derby debut aboard Flying Mohawk. Trainer Whit Beckman, who previously guided Honor Marie to an 8th place finish in last year’s race, brings valuable experience to the team. Their combined efforts aim to navigate the complexities of dirt racing, a new arena for Flying Mohawk.
This transition from turf to dirt introduces significant uncertainties. Oddsmakers reflect these concerns by listing Flying Mohawk as the largest longshot in the field at +6900 in Derby Futures. However, his ability to overcome obstacles, as evidenced by his previous races, should not be underestimated. The colt’s owner Jayson Werth, whose Dornoch won the Belmont Stakes in 2024, adds another layer of intrigue to this story. While many sharp handicappers may overlook Flying Mohawk due to his perceived disadvantages, his journey highlights the unpredictable nature of racing, where underdogs often rise to unexpected heights. As the Kentucky Derby approaches, all eyes will be on this determined longshot, hoping to witness a historic performance that defies the odds.
