The 2025 Kentucky Derby trail gained further clarity on Saturday as Burnham Square emerged victorious in the Grade 3, $265,000 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Overcoming the widest post in a field of seven, the Ian Wilkes-trained gelding displayed tactical speed, resilience, and an impressive finishing kick to secure a 1 3/4-length victory over favored frontrunner Tappan Street in the 1 1/16-mile contest.
Burnham Square, a son of Liam’s Map, completed the race in 1:43.60 over a fast track, securing his second straight win since adding blinkers. The performance also earned him valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points, positioning him as a legitimate contender for the first Saturday in May.
Despite showing signs of pre-race anxiety, Burnham Square broke evenly and settled into a comfortable fourth-place position as Kinetic Control, a 13-1 long shot, quickly assumed command from the rail. He set an opening quarter in 23.42 seconds, while Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Guns Loaded pressed from the outside in second. Highly regarded Ferocious, making his anticipated season debut, sat just behind them in third.
The complexion of the race changed after a half-mile in 47.60 seconds, as Guns Loaded overtook a tiring Kinetic Control. Meanwhile, Tappan Street, the 8-5 favorite, loomed large in fourth before making his move approaching the far turn. He inherited the lead after six furlongs in 1:11.69, seemingly poised to capitalize.
However, jockey Edgard Zayas had Burnham Square perfectly positioned for a late surge. As the field straightened for home, the gelding responded with a powerful rally, overtaking Tappan Street and pulling clear to the wire. His unwavering stamina was evident as he crossed the finish line 1 3/4 lengths ahead, leaving no doubt about his ability to handle increasing distances on the Derby trail.
Final Order of Finish and Derby Points Distribution
Burnham Square’s victory not only solidified his status as a rising 3-year-old but also earned him 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. The final order of finish and point distribution were:
1. Burnham Square (20 points)
2. Tappan Street (10 points)
3. Burning Glory (6 points, 9 1/4 lengths back)
4. Ferocious (4 points)
5. He’s Not Joking (2 points)
6. Kinetic Control
7. Guns Loaded
Trainer Ian Wilkes: “This Horse Doesn’t Get Tired.” Trainer Ian Wilkes, who spent years as an exercise rider and assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Carl Nafzger, expressed confidence in Burnham Square’s ability to progress further along the Derby trail.
Notably, Nafzger, who won the first Holy Bull Stakes (then known as the Preview Stakes) in 1990 with Home At Last, was in attendance to witness Burnham Square’s triumph.
The Holy Bull Stakes served as the second stop on Gulfstream Park’s path to the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on March 29. It followed the Mucho Macho Man Stakes on Jan. 3 and leads into the prestigious Grade 2, $415,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 1, which will also be contested at 1 1/16 miles.
With his Holy Bull victory, Burnham Square has stamped himself as a serious contender for the Florida Derby and beyond. If his improvement continues, he could very well be a major factor under the Twin Spires on May 3 in the Kentucky Derby.
The journey to Churchill Downs is still in its early stages, but Burnham Square has taken a decisive step forward. Can he continue his rise? The next stop will provide more answers.