Wonder Dean (JPN)

Japan-bred and based Wonder Dean earned his first victory in impressive fashion September 14, 2025, taking his second career start, a dirt race held at about 1 1/8 miles, by eight lengths at Nakayama Racecourse. The Dee Majesty colt then finished second by a half-length in two consecutive stakes races in his home country held at the same distance to close out his juvenile season.

Wonder Dean was shipped to Saudi Arabia for his 3-year-old debut, the Saudi Derby Presented By ZOOD Realty, and he finished an even fourth behind Al Haram, Obliteration, and Satono Voyage. He earned six points toward a starting-gate spot in the 2026 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve with the effort, as the Saudi Derby is part of the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby prep series.

On March 28, Wonder Dean made his second start in a Euro/Mideast Kentucky Derby prep – the $1 million, 1 3/16-mile United Arab Emirates Derby Sponsored by Jumeirah at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. With Cristian Demuro riding, he took aim on pacesetter Six Speed at the top of the stretch and wore down that foe late to score a signature victory worth 100 qualifying Kentucky Derby points, giving him 106 and securing a spot in the May 2 run for the roses.