Modernist’s Talk to Me Jimmy Dominates the Conversation, Wins Derby Points in Withers

[Wandering Eyes]

Talk to Me Jimmy (Modernist) took the race to them right from the bell, and ran his rivals off their feet to take home Kentucky Derby points in the Wither Stakes.

Out to set the pace after an even beginning, the New York-bred suddenly opened up on the field through the bend and asked them if they planned to catch him. Entering the lane with a clear advantage, Schoolyardsuperman (Practical Joke) tried to respond, but could not cut into the margin. Talk to Me Jimmy hit the line with air to spare as Grittiness (Curlin) closed for second and Ottinho (Quality Road) claimed third.

Talk to me Jimmy earns 20 points toward the Road to the Kentucky Derby with this victory.

The victor was last seen breaking his maiden in a similar fashion, going gate-to-wire against state-bred maidens at this venue last November to graduate by 5 1/2 lengths.

Sales history: $24,000 RNA Wlg '23 FTNMIX; $31,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-SEI Thoroughbreds and Rodriguez, Rudy R.; B-Majestic View Farms Intl. (NY); T-Rudy Rodriguez.

 

What a performance! #6 TALK TO ME JIMMY ($26.54) ran away from the field to easily win the $200,000 Withers Stakes and pick up 20 points towards the @KentuckyDerby. The son of Modernist was ridden by @Ruben_Silvera and is trained by @RudyRodriguezNY. pic.twitter.com/sw8SXxd7Qa

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 6, 2026

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