Kentucky Derby alumni update for Nov. 22

It is Thanksgiving weekend, meaning the beginning of the winter racing season. A few familiar faces from the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks ran over the last week, and many more are back in action all over the country over the next few days.

Let’s look back, and then look ahead to an exciting week of holiday horse racing!

• After finishing seventh in the Fayette S. (G2) at Keeneland last month, Major Fed (10th, 2020 Kentucky Derby) returned to allowance company for a sloppy dirt route at Churchill Downs on November 21. Stalking in range throughout, he kept finding down the lane. Though he was outkicked by favored Beau Luminarie, he finished with interest and crossed the wire second, beaten only three quarters of a length.
• Long Range Toddy (16th, 2019 Kentucky Derby), unraced since a third-place finish in the David M. Vance Stakes at Remington in September, returned in a seven-furlong allowance at Churchill Downs on November 17. Stalking two lengths off the pace, he made a run on pacesetter Sir Alfred James in the final furlong, but missed by a head.
• Midnight Bourbon (6th, 2021 Kentucky Derby), last seen finishing second in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1), will face older horses for the first time on November 26. He drew the rail in an eight-horse edition of the Clark S. (G1) at Churchill Downs, where he faces foes like Maxfield and Happy Saver.
• Super Stock (16th, 2021 Kentucky Derby), winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) and the Ellis Park Derby this year, will try to avenge his defeat in the Oklahoma Derby (G3) in the Zia Park Derby on November 23. The 1-5 morning line favorite, he drew the third post in a field of five.
• Necker Island (9th, 2020 Kentucky Derby), winner of two straight including the Bet on Sunshine November 6 at Churchill Downs, returns in the Thanksgiving Classic on November 25, opening day at Fair Grounds. He drew the rail in a seven-horse field that includes Greeley and Ben, a winner of nine straight races.
• Pauline’s Pearl (8th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks) will race in the Zia Park Oaks on November 23. Drawn in the fifth gate of six, she hopes to break through and win this Listed race after three straight underneath finishes in graded company.
• Crazy Beautiful (10th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks) drew post four of eight in the Comely Stakes (G3), November 26 at Aqueduct. A dual-surface threat, she returns to dirt after a second-place finish in the Valley View S. (G3) at Keeneland last month.