There are graded races for juveniles at Churchill Downs, with points towards the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks up for grabs, including a showdown between colts in the Kentucky Jockey Club and fillies in the Golden Rod.
‣ Points towards the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks will be up for grabs
‣ Risk It (Gun Runner) and Stretch Ride (Street Sense) are both favorites in the Kentucky Jockey Club
‣ Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and West Sunset (West Coast) are favorites in the Golden Rod race
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With the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks in sight, the stage is set for an exciting weekend at Churchill Downs. A pair of graded races for juveniles this Saturday will determine who takes home valuable points towards the prestigious Derby and Oaks. The 1 1/16-mile GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. will see eight colts facing off, while an equal number of fillies will head postward in the GII Golden Rod S. a race earlier on the card.
Among the colts, Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm’s Risk It (Gun Runner) is the morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Jockey Club. Trainer Steve Asmussen has high hopes for the colt, stating, “We believe he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.” Meanwhile, the fillies’ race sees Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) as the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the 1 1/16-miles Golden Rod. The filly’s recent performance has earned her ‘TDN Rising Star’ honors, solidifying her status as a top contender.
The stakes are high for West Point Thoroughbreds’ Stretch Ride (Street Sense), who will be making his stakes debut this Saturday. Trainer Dale Romans expressed confidence in the colt’s ability, following his impressive two-for-two record leading up to the race. “Stretch Ride has shown immense potential, and we believe he is ready to take on this new challenge,” Romans stated. Similarly, Gary and Mary West’s homebred West Sunset (West Coast) is expected to put up a strong fight in the Golden Rod, coming off a commanding 6 3/4-length victory in the Rags to Riches S.
Lastly, while all eyes are on Churchill Downs this weekend, there will also be notable graded stakes action at Del Mar with the GII Seabiscuit H. over the lawn and the GIII Comely S. for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. It’s an action-packed weekend for racing enthusiasts, and the outcomes of these races will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the road to the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks.
