Flavien Prat, who just rode Stark Contrast to victory in the American Turf stakes race, is one of the best big-race riders in the world and he’s showing it again at Churchill Downs with multiple wins today and two near-misses heading into the Kentucky Derby, where he’ll ride No. 15 Emerging Market.
The consistency isn’t new. In 2026, he’s winning 27 percent of his races (96 for 357) with more than $10.4 million in earnings.
What separates him is how and where he wins. In dirt routes he’s winning 34 percent of his entries while returning a flat-bet profit of 40 cents per $2 wagered on him to win. He’s also unusually adaptable, winning at nearly identical rates whether on the lead, pressing or closing, which means he fits the horse instead of forcing a style.
He’s go two more mounts before the first leg of the Triple Crown later tonight.
