It’s a debut (sort of) for Commando 3, who was Boyd Martin’s direct reserve horse at the Paris Olympics last summer. This is a keen, talented horse formerly campaigned by Sweden’s Louise Romeike before joining Boyd’s string, and while Boyd has taken his time getting prepared for this next step, it’s safe to say “Connor” is more than up to the challenge. He’s a super-competitive horse on the flat and has done well at this venue before, finishing 2nd in the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S last year, and he’s also done well as some of the tougher 4*-L tracks in the country, including Morven Park in 2023 (which he won).

Conner’s debut was abbreviated at Maryland 5 Star last fall after he fell with Boyd at the first water, but it was a bit of a “forgiveable” mistake, Boyd will have wiped the slate clean for what he hopes will be a competitive first completion at 5*. Boyd has said he would love to achieve a personal best with all of his Kentucky horses, and he’ll have put in the appropriate work together with his team of supporters and coaches to make that goal into a reality.

FAST FACTS

<aside> <img src="/icons/chart_blue.svg" alt="/icons/chart_blue.svg" width="40px" />

Last 3 Results:

</aside>

• Stable View 4*-S (1st - 38.0)
• Carolina 3*-S (14th - 47.8)
• Pine Top Preliminary (2nd - 41.6)

<aside> <img src="/icons/stars_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/stars_yellow.svg" width="40px" />

Fun Fact:

</aside>

• Commando 3 isn’t necessarily the most social horse in the barn, but he does love his people. He’s also not a picky treat-eater — he may not be an all-out garbage disposal like Fedarman B but he’ll try just about anything.

<aside> <img src="/icons/brain_red.svg" alt="/icons/brain_red.svg" width="40px" />

Did You Know?

</aside>

• Boyd always speaks highly of all his horses, but he’s been very keen on this one since the first time he laid eyes on him. “He’s a very good-looking horse and, sadly, he knows it,” Boyd’s said in the past. “He struts around like a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has an amazing presence, and even when I watch him walking in the field, he has a championship look.”

<aside> <img src="/icons/view_green.svg" alt="/icons/view_green.svg" width="40px" />

Watch For:

</aside>

• Look for Commando 3 to score a sub-30 (he did a 28.5 at Maryland, and if we know Boyd, he’ll be wanting to go even lower than that this weekend) and for this pair to really try to catch that notoriously tough optimum time at Kentucky. He’s also got the not-so-secret weapon of show jumping Olympian Peter Wylde in his corner to help him fine-tune for a strong – and potential podium – finish come Sunday.