The Puma (KY)

Bet on The Puma | The Puma Betting Odds

Pedigree Foundation
The Puma carries bloodlines from two accomplished thoroughbreds. Essential Quality stands as his sire, while his dam, Eve of War, traces through Declaration of War. This cross represents an interesting blend of two horses with significant racing accomplishments.

Sire Line: Essential Quality
Essential Quality established himself as an accomplished racehorse and Breeders' Cup Champion in the Juvenile and a year later with a third in the Classic, finishing third in the Kentucky Derby. As a stallion, Essential Quality has begun siring progeny competing in stakes company. His offspring show competitive ability in racing.

Dam-Side Heritage: Declaration of War Influence
Eve of War carries the Declaration of War line through her sire. Declaration of War was a successful racehorse whose progeny have produced quality competitors at various racing levels. This dam-side influence contributes to the pedigree profile.

Physical Profile & Racing Record
The Puma is a chestnut colt foaled February 7, 2023, standing three years old. His record shows three career starts, one win, one place, one show, earning $244,280. All races have been contested on fast dirt surfaces.
 

Top Five Handicapping Traits

1. Recent Stakes Victory: Won at Tampa Bay Downs on March 7, 2026, in a stakes race at 1-1/16 miles, 7-1 odds, by 3/4 length with jockey Javier Castellano. This is his only win in three starts (33% win rate).
2. Limited Racing Experience: Only three career starts means minimal data on consistency, performance under different conditions, or ability against varied competition levels.
3. Two Scratches on Record: Scratched from Gulfstream Park on December 27, 2025 (maiden race) and February 7, 2026 (maiden race), suggesting training adjustments or health/soundness concerns that required race withdrawals.
4. Mixed Performance in Stakes: Third-place finish on February 7, 2026, at Tampa Bay Downs in stakes race at 1-1/16 miles, 5-2 odds, finishing 6 lengths behind the winner, followed by his winning performance on March 7.
5. Consistent Jockey on Winning Effort: Javier Castellano rode The Puma in the winning race on March 7, 2026, though different jockeys have been used in other outings (Edwin Gonzalez rode him to third on February 7).