Winston returns to action in the United States as a prime contender

The son of Forge, one of the top colts of 2025 in Argentina, finished third in his North American debut and now lines up in an allowance race over ten furlongs on the Ellis Park turf

HENDERSON, Kentucky—Winston, one of the top 3-year-olds of 2025 in Argentina, faces his second test on North American soil this Sunday following an encouraging debut performance.

The son of Forge, who now races for the partnership of Club 65 Racing LLC, Chief Horse Futures, and Liberty House Racing LLC, will step out in Sunday's sixth race at Ellis Park, a highly competitive $62,500 allowance optional claiming event carded over ten furlongs on the turf with a $104,000 purse.

Conditioned by Horacio de Paz, the grey colt will be the youngest entrant (4 years old in Southern Hemisphere terms) among the six horses confirmed. He will have the services of jockey Johan Rosado from post position and has been assigned a 6-1 morning-line quote, making him the fourth choice in a field headlined by heavy 1-1 favorite Andthewinneris (Oscar Performance).

Winston put together a stellar sophomore campaign last season in South America, capturing the Clásico Isidoro Aramburu (G2) and the Clásico Polla de Potrillos (G3), while finishing second in the Gran Premio Nacional (G1), third in the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2), and fourth in the Clásico Old Man (G3).

His Stateside debut came in early June over 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis, where he finished a solid third, three lengths behind In the Tank (Astern), despite encountering minor traffic troubles during the running.

Connections expect a significant forward step this Sunday, backed by a series of eye-catching morning workouts. His preparation concluded with a blistering half-mile breeze in 48.40 seconds at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, the fastest of 46 recorded works at the distance that morning.

Andthewinneris, winner of the Bourbon Stakes (G2) at Keeneland in 2022, the Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile Stakes (L) at Sam Houston the following season, and the Knickerbocker Stakes (G3) at Belmont in 2024, enters off a string of competitive placings and will rely on his proven back class.

The second choice in the early odds is the British-bred Royal Majesty (Frankel), who ships in for trainer Bill Mott. Like the favorite, his best form came earlier in his campaign, and he arrives looking to regain consistency in the allowance ranks.

Demolition Duke (Good Magic) looms as the third principal contender, presenting a profile similar to the top choices.