Midnight Bourbon made his first start as a three-year-old on January 26, winning the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds Racetrack.
[11] Midnight Bourbon got a much better trip than in the Derby, running second most of the race behind Medina Spirit before passing him at the top of the stretch and looking to be the winner.
[12] Midnight Bourbon bypassed the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, to have some time off and target the big races in the summer.
He was full of running down the stretch but Hot Rod Charlie crossed over into his way and impeded his path, which caused Midnight Bourbon to throw his jockey Paco Lopez.
[14] Midnight Bourbon came out of the Haskell unhurt and made his next start in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on August 28.
Midnight Bourbon prepared to make his next start in the $20 million Saudi Cup where he would face Mandaloun again as well as a quality field of international runners including the previous year's winner Mishriff.
As accomplished as he is, or as lacking as his résumé is with the wins, he is still in a physical and mental development that I think allows for him to possibly end up being the best horse in training in the world this year.
"[16] Midnight Bourbon finished a close third in the race behind Emblem Road and Country Grammer, and jockey Joel Rosario said, "I thought he ran really well.