In the electric build-up to the 151st Kentucky Derby, there’s always that one international wildcard that has fans buzzing. This year, that spark comes from Japan in the form of Admire Daytona. Fresh off a gutsy score in the UAE Derby, this bay colt has gone from relative unknown to intriguing longshot on the Derby trail. His path to Churchill Downs wasn’t paved with flashy headlines, but Admire Daytona’s gritty progression and undeniable late kick have turned a few heads.

For owner Junko Kondo and trainer Yukihiro Kato, this is new territory—making their first-ever appearance in the Run for the Roses. And with Christophe Lemaire aboard, a world-class jockey hungry for a breakthrough Kentucky Derby moment, the stage is set for a story that could shake up the Derby script.

Who owns Admire Daytona?

Admire Daytona is campaigned by Junko Kondo, who will be making her first trip to the Kentucky Derby as an owner. It’s the latest chapter in the increasing presence of Japanese connections on the American racing scene. Japanese horses have steadily made their mark on major races worldwide, and Kondo’s bay colt is the next to carry that momentum stateside.

The excitement around Admire Daytona also reflects Japan’s breeding industry’s investment over the last two decades. He’s a product of Northern Racing, one of the country’s premier breeding outfits, known for producing world-class Thoroughbreds capable of winning anywhere.

Who trains Admire Daytona?

Yukihiro Kato, Admire Daytona’s trainer, is another name looking to break through on one of the sport’s biggest stages. While Kato’s reputation in Japan is well-earned, the Kentucky Derby offers a different kind of spotlight. Kato’s careful handling of Admire Daytona’s campaign—including the decision to ship to Dubai for the UAE Derby—shows a willingness to take calculated risks, and it paid off with a Derby berth.

This will be Kato’s first starter at Churchill Downs, but if Admire Daytona’s UAE Derby performance is any hint, the trainer knows how to prepare a horse for the moment.

Who is Admire Daytona’s jockey?

International superstar Christophe Lemaire will be aboard Admire Daytona in the Kentucky Derby. Lemaire is a familiar name to global racing fans, but he’s still chasing his first Derby success. His best effort so far came in 2023, guiding Derma Sotogake to a sixth-place finish.

Lemaire’s experience and composure could be a game-changer for Admire Daytona, especially when navigating the traffic of a 20-horse field. His familiarity with Japanese horses, plus his sharp instincts, make him an ideal fit for a colt that thrives with a patient but well-timed ride.

What are Admire Daytona’s career earnings?

Heading into the Derby, Admire Daytona has earned $672,047 across six starts. His biggest payday came with his UAE Derby win at Meydan, which not only fattened his bankroll but also stamped his ticket to Churchill Downs.

While his earnings stack up respectably against other Derby contenders, the way he earned them—closing with grit against quality competition—makes his résumé even more appealing to bettors looking for a live longshot.

What are Admire Daytona’s racing stats and past performances?

Admire Daytona’s record stands at 2 wins and 2 runner-up finishes from six lifetime starts. His early races in Japan showcased a horse who needed time to figure things out, finishing fourth and second before finally breaking his maiden at Tokyo Racecourse.

After a modest fourth-place effort in the Hyacinth Stakes—where he faced fellow Derby contender Luxor Cafe—he punched his Derby ticket by winning the UAE Derby in Dubai. Meydan’s performance was eye-catching: he set the pace and held off challenges late to secure victory at 1:59.05 for 1 3/16 miles.

His running style has evolved, too. Early on, Admire Daytona preferred stalking, but in Dubai, he showed he could take the initiative and control the pace. That tactical flexibility could be critical in a Derby likely to feature a quick early tempo.

What is Admire Daytona’s pedigree and bloodline?

Admire Daytona’s pedigree is a fascinating blend of speed and stamina. He is by Drefong, the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter. While Drefong was known for raw speed, his pedigree also carries Ghostzapper’s staying power through his dam, Eltimaas.

Admire Daytona’s dam, Ice Pastel, adds even more distance pedigree. She’s a daughter of Shackleford, the gritty 2011 Preakness Stakes winner known for toughness and stamina at classic distances.

Even deeper, Ice Pastel’s lineage traces back to Sunday Silence, a Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner who became a breed-shaping stallion in Japan. That stamina influence could be the secret weapon that helps Admire Daytona thrive at 1¼ miles.

How has Admire Daytona prepared for the Derby?

Since arriving at Churchill Downs, Admire Daytona has quietly gone about his business. He turned in a steady half-mile breeze in 53.20 on April 22—a move that might not have lit up the stopwatch but was exactly what trainer Yukihiro Kato wanted.

The goal isn’t to peak in a morning workout; it’s to have the horse primed for Derby day. Admire Daytona’s long gallops and strong gallop-outs suggest he’s holding his Dubai form nicely.

What are Admire Daytona’s strengths and concerns?

Admire Daytona’s biggest strength is his closing punch. His UAE Derby performance showed he can settle, withstand pressure, and kick on late—a recipe that often plays well in a chaotic Kentucky Derby.

However, there are legitimate concerns too. No horse has ever won the Kentucky Derby after prepping exclusively outside North America. While horses like Thunder Snow and Derma Sotogake have shown that UAE shippers can be competitive, it’s still a major hurdle.

Admire Daytona also faces a question mark about pace dynamics. Will he press the early pace again like in Dubai? Or revert to stalking tactics? His ability to adapt will be tested against the fastest group he’s ever faced.

Admire Daytona steps onto the Kentucky Derby stage carrying both hope and skepticism. He has the pedigree, the heart, and a Derby-tested jockey in Christophe Lemaire. His UAE Derby win was no fluke—it was the kind of grinding, brave performance that often spells success at Churchill Downs.

Yet history is a tough opponent. Japanese-bred horses have come close in recent years but never sealed the deal in the Derby. Admire Daytona would need everything to break just right to pull the upset, but if the pace melts down early and he gets a clean trip, don’t be shocked to see him rolling down the stretch in the biggest race of his life.