Tipsheet: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes

A nice field of 10 sophomores will vie for your best bet around 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs main surface in Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five across the wire with qualifying points on a 10-5-3-2-1 structure. 

Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Picks

• #2 Jonathan’s Way
• #1 He’s Not Joking
• #8 First Resort
• #9 Render Judgement

Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Wagers

• $30 win #2 Jonathan’s Way
• $5 exacta 2 with 1,8,9
• 50-cent superfecta 1,2 with 1,2 with 8,9 with all

Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Contenders

#1 HE’S NOT JOKING: Canadian import was an impressive winner of the Grey S. (G3) on the Tapeta at Woodbine in his route debut last time and will be a major danger if he carries his form over to the dirt. The Practical Joke colt drilled a bullet five panels in his latest morning move and will save ground throughout with Florent Geroux picking up the mount. 

#2 JONATHAN’S WAY: Horse to beat ran evenly when well backed in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) most recently and will appreciate the class relief in this spot. The Phil Bauer pupil was sharp in two wins to kick off his career, led by a fine Iroquois S. (G3) triumph, and the son of Vekoma will be difficult to upend with his top performance. Regular pilot Joel Rosario retains the ride. 

#3 TIZTASTIC: Steve Asmussen pupil bagged the lucrative Juvenile Mile S. on the lawn at Kentucky Downs two back, prior to gaining second in the Street Sense S. (G3) in his most recent endeavor. The son of smart freshman sire Tiz the Law has both tactical speed and a nice turn of foot, and the dark bay will be in the mix late with a forward move on Saturday. Christian Torres keeps the mount. 

#4 DAPPER MOON: Dallas Stewart trainee has checked in fourth in two straight graded contests and rates as a top-three contender in the contest. By Malibu Moon, the gray has good gate presence and figures to be well placed leading up to the turn for home with Ricardo Santana, Jr. up. 

#5 FILOSO: Breeders’ Futurity (G1) third will make his local debut for conditioner Chad Summers. The late-running son of City of Light has been training in swift fashion in anticipation of the race and wouldn’t be a huge surprise with John Velazquez taking the reins. 

#6 CLOCK TOWER: Potential pacesetter was last seen finishing third in the grassy Bourbon S. (G2) at Keeneland and moves back to the main strip for Wesley Ward. The son of Not This Time has never run a bad one and the gelding could get brave if left alone on the lead for too long beneath Gerardo Corrales. 

#7 SONIC SKIDADDLE: Sharp maiden winner came home with excellent energy in graduating in his second lifetime showing and has appeal with Tyler Gaffalione taking the reins. This Calumet homebred will need a fast and contested pace to set up his strong late burst, and the son of City of Light can grab a share with expected improvement against this group. 

#8 FIRST RESORT: Uncle Mo homebred was second in the Saratoga Special S. (G2) and a solid fourth on the turf in the Summer S. (G1) at Woodbine in his last two efforts. Eoin Harty trainee has the speed to force the action from the break, and the Godolphin color bearer might be the one on top in early stretch with Luis Saez in the silks. 

#9 RENDER JUDGEMENT: Kenny McPeek pupil displayed a steady closing kick when graduating on the course and at the distance in his second career showing. This $310,000 son of Blame will have a lot to do at the top of the lane, but I expect him to pass numerous runners and challenge for a placing late with Brian Hernandez, Jr. in the stirrups. 

#10 REDACTED: Second from the Stewart shedrow was a solid runner-up in a sprint debut on the oval on November 14, but he comes back quickly and faces a daunting task from the outside post slot. The Honor Code colt would be a surprise at this stage of his development.