For guys like me, the Kentucky Derby is always in focus. Whether it be the one coming up, the one they just ran, or the one that’s the one. As the world’s most famous Thoroughbred race and a crown jewel of the game, it’s always time to think about that mile and a quarter. Most people, however, are not like me (was that a “ thankfully” we heard from the peanut gallery). The trees are budding and the grass id greening so that means the first Saturday in May is in sight. Therefor that path that leads to Louisville has lots of traffic. Kind of like Interstate 24 here in Middle Tennessee.
As the contenders and pretenders separate themselves during the major final prep races over the next three weeks, Derby dreams will be dancing. With hopes of a run at that blanket of roses, horsemen will send their runners to post with a spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate on the line. Two major events go off on Saturday, March 22. Let’s take a look at these opportunities for immortality.
The Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park is first on the list. Those who are observant will take note the spelling of Steaks instead of Stakes. Jeff Ruby has long been a huge supporter of the game and his steak houses in Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, Lexington, and Nashville offer some of the finest cuisine. Having helped rekindle racing at this northern Kentucky track, Ruby has put his name on a race worth $777,000. Yes, Turfway has a synthetic racing surface which some may use as a reason to dismiss the importance of the race being that the Triple Crown races are all on dirt. The newly infused money and sponsorship by Jeff Ruby and the fact last year’s third place finisher (Seize the Grey) won the Preakness and the 2023 winner (Two Phil’s) finished second in the Kentucky Derby says the race is BIG.
A quick rundown of the Jeff Ruby Steaks entries tells us that thirteen three-year-old colts will make a run at the money. California Burrito has two wins in two starts this year with both coming at Turfway for trainer Tom Drury Jr. Heavy hitting trainer Brad Cox will send Final Gambit to post after a Turfway win in his third career start on February 15. The ever-dangerous veteran conditioner D. Wayne Lukas brings Innovator to Turfway after a disappointing run in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Remsen Stakes winner Poster joins the ranks for trainer Eoin Harty. Peter Miller (Curvino) and Todd Pletcher (Candytown) will also be bringing runners to the field. All that means it should be a juicy Jeff Ruby Steaks.
The Louisiana Derby has long been considered a major player on the Kentucky Derby trail. The last time a Louisiana Derby winner won the Kentucky Derby was 1996 (Grindstone), but the recent increase in distance to a mile and three sixteenths and that long Fair Grounds stretch makes this an attractive spot. Ten horses are currently entered.
Defending champion conditioner Brad Cox has two runners entered in the unbeaten John Hancock (2 for 2) and recent Fair Grounds winner Instant Replay. Risen Star Stakes runner-up Chunk of Gold, will be part of the action as well as Kentucky Downs graduate Tiztastic. Gun Runner Stakes champ Built has been in the top three in all five career starts and Sunland Derby runner-up Caldera joins the party for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Following these two races will be others with major Derby implications on the line. March 29 will feature the Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby. April 5 boasts the Bluegrass Stakes, Wood Memorial, and Santa Anita Derby. Back a horse and get paid !!!
