Unbeaten Juddmonte homebred Impel, favored in the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager, is set to make her stakes debut in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. at Keeneland on April 5, with her performance there potentially setting her up for the Kentucky Oaks, under the guidance of trainer Brad Cox.
‣ Unbeaten Juddmonte homebred Impel, a “TDN Rising Star,” is being aimed for her stakes debut in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. at Keeneland on April 5, with aspirations for the Kentucky Oaks depending on her performance.
‣ Impel, favored at 7-1 in the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pool, has shown impressive form with a debut victory and a commanding win in an optional claimer at Oaklawn Park, earning a 91 Beyer Speed Figure.
‣ Impel’s pedigree is highlighted by her being a first foal from the stakes-winning dam Your Love, and her sire Quality Road, known for producing 15 Grade I winners worldwide, including Kentucky Oaks winner Abel Tasman.
The @juddmontefarms homebred #5 Impel stretches out and romps to stay perfect in R4 at Oaklawn Park for trainer @bradcoxracing with @christiantorr64 aboard! 🌟
A bright future ahead for this 3YO filly! You can add her to your TwinSpires #StableAlerts!
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/xyjJS3FYeq
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 3, 2024
Impel, the unbeaten Juddmonte homebred and ‘TDN Rising Star,’ was the hot favorite at 7-1 in the recent Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pool. Last weekend, she was the talk of the town. She’s being primed for her big moment in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. That’s happening on Keeneland’s opening day, Apr. 5.
“Brad’s got big plans for her,” said Garrett O’Rourke, Juddmonte USA’s General Manager. He’s talking about Brad Cox, the trainer with two GI Kentucky Oaks wins under his belt. Impel’s got to shine in the Ashland to dream of the Oaks.
If things don’t pan out, no sweat, O’Rourke assures. But if they do? Well, that’s the golden ticket. “We’ll see what happens,” he muses, leaving us all in suspense.
The betting scene was buzzing, with $69,717 thrown into the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pot. That’s a mix of $48,334 in the win pool and $21,384 in exactas. Meanwhile, last year’s champ, Just F Y I, was a close second favorite at 8-1. But, drama unfolded as she was scratched due to a fever right before her 3-year-old debut. Talk about a curveball.
O’Rourke couldn’t hide his surprise at the betting odds. It seemed Impel’s favoritism added an unexpected layer of pressure. And he couldn’t help but laugh at the thought that just a couple of Brad’s exercise boys could’ve skewed the betting pool with a few well-placed bets.
Impel’s journey started with a bang, nabbing her ‘Rising Star’ status right out of the gate. Her debut? A stunning 7-2 sprint at Fair Grounds on New Year’s Day. Then, she wowed everyone with an 8 1/2-length victory in a deep field at Oaklawn Park. That win came with a hefty 91 Beyer Speed Figure. And just recently, she breezed through a four-furlong workout in :49.80 at Fair Grounds.
Quality Road, Impel’s sire, is no stranger to success, boasting 15 Grade I winners worldwide. Among them is the 2017 Kentucky Oaks queen, Abel Tasman. Impel’s dam, Your Love, was snagged by Juddmonte for $480,000, adding an impressive lineage to Impel’s pedigree.
Your Love, a half-sister to a slew of winners, recently confirmed she’s expecting again. This time to the promising young stallion from Taylor Made. Impel is her first foal, and what a debut she’s made.
“She’s a standout,” beams O’Rourke. Impel’s got the looks and the pedigree, raising expectations sky-high. Despite doubts about her stamina, given her sprinter mother and the versatile Quality Roads, she’s proven herself. Twice.
From here on, it’s a steep climb. “She’s gotta step it up,” O’Rourke states, eyeing the Oaks prize.
And then, there’s that tweet from TwinSpires Racing, capturing Impel’s stunning performance at Oaklawn Park. With @christiantorr64 in the saddle, she dominated the race, hinting at a bright future. Fans are encouraged to keep tabs on this rising star. The journey’s just beginning, and what a thrilling ride it’s shaping up to be.
