Two horses who began their campaigns on the Kentucky Derby trail, Barnes and Neoequos, seek sprinting success in the $400,000 Grade II Gallant Bob Stakes over 1,200m at Parx near Philadelphia on the Pennsylvania Derby undercard on Saturday, September 20. Both carry penalties against some local runners in this three-year-olds only event.
Bettors might think this is the last place they expect to find Kentucky Derby horses the fall after the Run for the Roses, but not all hopefuls deliver in prep races. If their trial runs expose a lack of stamina, then sprinting is the only option for further success down the line. This is a good opportunity for both topweight Barnes and Neoequos to reinvent themselves.
Jackie’s Warrior won the Gallant Bob Stakes back in 2021 as his prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He was crowned American Champion Sprint Horse at the end of that season. While neither Bob Baffert nor Saffie Joseph have ever saddled the winner of this race before, they send some strong and leading contenders to Pennsylvania here.
Barnes won the 1,400m San Vicente Stakes in this grade earlier in the year and, although no match for Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby, he placed behind the Kentucky Derby second in the San Felipe in-between those efforts. It was clear to Baffert, then, that Churchill Downs didn’t have anything to offer the Into Mischief colt.
Back-to-back Grade 1 wins for PATCH ADAMS as he takes the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes with Luis Saez up for trainer @bradcoxracing. pic.twitter.com/He4Gu9gHOG
— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA) August 23, 2025
Following a break, Barns returned in the Grade I H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes. He showed behind Woody Stephens hero Patch Adams, but didn’t have things go his way at Saratoga. Barnes was short of room turning into the home stretch, but still found for pressure and was only beaten by 1.5 lengths. It should put him spot on for this.
Neoequos Seeks Jersey Shore Repeat
Based on the Kentucky Derby result, Neoequos didn’t stay 2,000m either and crossed the Churchill Downs wire in 13th spot. His prior thirds in the Fountain Of Youth Stakes and Florida Derby behind Run for the Roses winner Sovereignty hinted middle-distance races might not be for him. Joseph has rehabilitated Neoequos already with Jersey Shore Stakes success over the summer at Monmouth Park.
He was much too good in that sprint contest over the Gallant Bob Stakes distance of 1,200m for re-opposing second and third Donut God and Fire Pit. Although 3lb and 2lb worse off at the weights with them now, Neoequos was well on top and has nothing to fear from either rival on that New Jersey run. This Neolithic colt comes into this race off a subsequent defeat at Charles Town in West Virginia, however.
Neoequos was no match for Jersey Derby winner Barbadian Runner off level weights over an intermediate distance of 1,400m. Sprinting looks as though it’ll be his forte, even though his Woody Stephens effort proved a disappointment over the summer. On a form line through Patch Adams, oddsmakers from Kentucky Derby betting sites could favor Barnes over Neoequos here.
Retribution Most Likely to Challenge Top Two
If there’s to be an upset in the Gallant Bob Stakes, then bettors should probably look to Retribution to cause it. Cherie DeVaux’s Vekoma colt has prior form that ties him with Grade II Amsterdam Stakes 1-2 Smoken Wicked and Gunmetal. Retribution picked up some vital track experience of Parx when landing the 1,300m PTHA President’s Sprint Stakes here last time.
Although it took him most of the home stretch to go past Fire Pit, he’s now 3lb better off with the runner-up and they pulled a good eight lengths clear of the re-opposing third and fourth. The latter’s handler, Guadalupe Preciado, has a couple of wins in the last three editions of this race, however, so anything representing the barn commands respect.
Alchemism, Friday Surprise, Gateskeeer, and Wax Box are all regulars at the Philadelphia track. Their form in minor races just cannot match the big guns in the line-up, though. Similar comments apply to. Canterbury Park specialist Mad House. Donut God and Fire Pit look the pick of what’s left with quantity more abundant than quality at Parx.
Gallant Bob Stakes 2025 Post Positions Draw
- Retribution (122lbs)
- Gateskeeper (122lbs)
- Wax Box (120lbs)
- Alchemism (120lbs)
- Barnes (124lbs)
- Donut God (120lbs)
- Mad House (120lbs)
- Fire Pit (120lbs)
- Friday Surprise (120lbs)
- Neoequos (122lbs)
Our Handicapper’s Verdict
Although he gives weight all-round, Barnes looked unlucky at the Spa when last in action and could cash in on this ease in grade. The other obvious contender, Neoequos, isn’t the most reliable, but clear second choice. From the remainder, Retribution has the next best form in amongst a string of local horses that must raise their game considerably.
Donut God should beat Fire Pit again, but these horses realistically play for fourth spot. The latter’s trainer has won this three times before including twice since 2022. As for the others, they simply haven’t tested themselves in Listed let alone graded stakes and, while it’s not impossible something could spring a big shock, it’ll take a career best to make the top five. Barnes is the bet under Tyler Gaffalione.
WATCH: Retribution Win His Gallant Bob Prep Race at Parx
