A 2-year-old standout at the OBS March sale, Sandman has marched ahead to his position on Saturday in the first official prep for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, taking on a full field for the $300,000 Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.

West Point, DJ Stable and CJ Stable acquired Sandman together at OBS March and sent him to trainer Mark Casse. The gray son of Tapit delivered an impressive maiden win at Saratoga on August 10 going seven furlongs and will add another furlong in the mile Iroquois with jockey Jose Ortiz in the irons.

West Point will also have a stakes opportunity earlier Saturday at Churchill with Happy Am I, part of a field of 6 filly and mare sprinters in the $300,000 Open Mind Stakes. The 4-year-old filly has been knocking on the door for trainer Dallas Stewart, finishing third in the Roxelana Stakes in April and second in the Saylorville Stakes in July.

Daily Racing Form: Iroquois Stakes: Sandman gets more ground as race for Derby points begins

Kentucky Derby website lists Sandman among 12 to watch as Derby preps begin