Publisher Looks to Author First Graded Stakes Triumph

Nearly a year ago, Publisher  was among the field for the Kentucky Derby (G1) following a runner-up effort in the Arkansas Derby (G1). But a troubled trip left him 14th in the Run for the Roses. 

Since then, the American Pharoah  colt has been searching for his first graded victory, missing the board in three attempts since last May and 0-1-0 from seven starts in such races. But his latest chance to put a '1' in that first column comes May 25 in the Steve Sexton Mile Stakes (G3) at Lone Star Park.

The 1-mile test carries a purse of $400,000 and will be contested by a field of nine 3-year-olds and up.

He bounced back from the Kentucky Derby with a pair of fourths in the Indiana Derby (G3) and Oklahoma Derby (G3). Publisher than ran off a pair of seconds in maiden special weights to cap the year. 

Trainer Steve Asmussen has the 4-year-old in good form heading into the Memorial Day race. Three wins to open the year, including the race named after his sire, the American Pharoah Overnight Stakes. Last time out, he finished fourth in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2).

Publisher is the 3-1 second choice on the morning line. 

The 9-5 favorite is the Louisiana-bred multimillionaire Touchuponastar , who comes into Monday on a five-race winning streak. Set-Hut's Star Guitar   gelding won the March 21 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) by a half-length.

Touchuponastar is 5-for-10 at a mile and 0-for-3 at Lone Star where he's just missed in the last three editions of the Sexton. He's been knocking on the door. He finished second in 2023 and 2024 before finishing fifth last year—the only start of his 28-race career that the 7-year-old didn't hit the board. 

Also in the field is the Japan-bred Komorebino Omoide . The 6-year-old has one win in seven graded stakes—last year's Sexton. He won that by 2 1/4 lengths. 

Preceding the Sexton is the $200,000 Ouija Board Distaff Stakes at 1 mile on turf. 

Favored at 2-1 in that race is the Joe Sharp-trained Vive Veuve . She's making her 2026 debut Monday and will have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. 

The second choice (3-1) is also trained by Sharp. Miwa  will also be making her season debut and will be ridden by Jose Ortiz. 

Sharp also leads the top pick for the Speightstown Sprint Stakes, run over 6 furlongs on the main track. 

Kavod , the 7-year-old Lea gelding, will make his first start in a graded stakes since the 2023 Woodford Stakes (G2T).