The remarkable Lagynos, a mere $200,000 yearling purchase by Chad Schumer, recorded a fifth straight stakes win on Saturday when powering to victory in the $500,000 Grade 2 Wise Dan Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Partnered by Jose Ortiz, Lagynos took off when pulled out in the stretch and rocketed clear for an easy victory. It was Lagynos’ tenth win overall for earnings just shy of $2.7 million.
“He’s just a special horse,” said Jose Ortiz . “He gives me so much confidence every time I get on him because he always shows up. He proved that again today. Steve [Asmussen] and his entire team have done another tremendous job with him, and I’m just fortunate to be along for the ride.”
“We’re unbelievably fortunate to have a horse like this with his consistency and he came through for us again today,” said Steve Asmussen. “He and Jose give each other so much confidence. They’re a great combination, and you saw it again today. Five consecutive stakes wins says everything you need to know about this horse. He’s just a super horse.”
Lagynos has been a real star for Steve Asmussen, with his wins this year also comprising the Grade 2 Muniz Memorial Stakes, Grade 3 Fair Grounds Stakes, Grade 3 Arlington Stakes and Opening Verse Stakes.
Equally effective on turf and dirt, the 5yo son of Kantharos was also successful in the 2024 Grade 3 Commonwealth Cup at Churchill Downs and last year’s Tapit Stakes at Kentucky Downs alongside a series of stakes placings.
Purchased as a Keeneland September yearling out of the Valkyre Stud draft, Lagynos was bred by Robert Spiegel out of Steamy, by Speightstown.
