Kentucky Derby Contender Profile: Flying Mohawk

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Kentucky Derby Contender Profile

Flying Mohawk: Can This Turf Specialist Shock the Derby Field?

Horse Racing Betting excitement is building as the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches, and Flying Mohawk is one of the latest additions to the starting gate. 

After receiving a crucial defection among the top qualifiers, this colt gets his chance on the biggest stage. While Flying Mohawk sits as one of the longest Kentucky Derby odds on the board, he presents an intriguing wildcard for those considering bold Kentucky Derby betting strategies.

Flying Mohawk will try to defy expectations under jockey Joe Ramos and trainer Whit Beckman. With two wins and two runner-up finishes from six career starts, he enters the Derby after a solid runner-up effort in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park. 

However, the central storyline surrounding Flying Mohawk is that all his previous races have been on synthetic or turf surfaces, making his dirt debut a significant test.

Pedigree and Connections Behind Flying Mohawk

Flying Mohawk carries a pedigree built for stamina and strong finishes, being the son of Karakontie, the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile champion. Karakontie, known for his turf success, also sired Sole Volante, who competed in the 2020 Kentucky Derby and finished 11th. 

Flying Mohawk’s maternal line traces back to Bonbons Fleur, a daughter of Twirling Candy, the stallion best known for siring 2021 Preakness Stakes champion Rombauer.

The ownership brings additional intrigue. Flying Mohawk is campaigned by former MLB standout Jayson Werth, who returns to the Kentucky Derby stage after his first runner, Dornoch, competed in 2024 and went on to win the Belmont Stakes.

For trainer Whit Beckman, this will be his second Derby starter following Honor Marie’s eighth-place finish in 2024. Meanwhile, Joe Ramos, who mainly rides at Horseshoe and Turfway Park, will make his Derby debut aboard Flying Mohawk.

Steady Progression in the Prep Season

Flying Mohawk started his career on the turf, needing three races to find his footing. He finally broke his maiden with a commanding 5 ½-length win at Churchill Downs, going a mile and a sixteenth. He followed that performance with another decisive win at Fair Grounds.

In his final prep for the Derby, Flying Mohawk switched to synthetic footing and ran second behind Final Gambit in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. That performance earned him enough points to rank 21st on the final leaderboard and draw into the Kentucky Derby when a spot opened up.

Flying Mohawk’s Kentucky Derby Betting Outlook

Oddsmakers have pegged Flying Mohawk as the long shot in the field, with Kentucky Derby Futures lines at +300. The biggest concern for bettors is apparent: he has never raced on dirt. 

Tackling 1 ¼ miles at Churchill Downs on a new surface against the deepest field he has faced is a significant ask. Sharp handicappers are expected to largely pass on Flying Mohawk for win wagers, although his late-closing style could make him an exotic play for adventurous bettors.

If you are looking for more expert picks, odds analysis, and complete coverage of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, visit our racebook today.