Lagynos stretched his winning run to five at Churchill Downs on Saturday night, landing the $500,000 Wise Dan Stakes under Jose Ortiz for trainer Steve Asmussen.
The five-year-old son of Kantharos confirmed himself as one of the most reliable turf horses in the United States by taking the Grade 2 contest over 1m 1/16f, beating Mercante by three-quarters of a length after stalking the early pace.
Owned by HRH Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud, Lagynos was settled in fourth through the opening quarter before Ortiz moved closer behind Silent Heart and Mercante. He quickened on the second turn, took control in the stretch and stopped the clock in 1:41.68 on turf rated good.
Ortiz Partnership Keeps Paying Off
The result continued a sharp 2026 campaign for Lagynos, who had arrived at Churchill Downs chasing a fifth consecutive stakes success. Ortiz has been aboard throughout the run, and the partnership again looked assured once the race began to build.
According to TrueNicks’ Wise Dan Stakes report, Lagynos returned $5.00 as the favourite, with Dresden Row another half-length back in third.
For Asmussen, it was another valuable graded turf win with a horse who has become increasingly dependable at Churchill Downs. For Lagynos, the consequence is simple: a winning streak that now demands a bigger summer target.
