Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club
Jonathan's Way (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
November 26th, 2024
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
He's Not Joking wins the Grey S. (G3) at Woodbine. (Photo by Michael Burns Photo)
#1 He’s Not Joking ***
Pro: One of Canada’s top juveniles, dominating Grey (G3) by four lengths.
Con: Must prove he can race as effectively on dirt as he can on synthetic.
Jonathan's Way wins the Iroquois S. at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)
#2 Jonathan’s Way *****
Pro: Strong Iroquois (G3) win not backed up in Breeders’ Cup; deserves a mulligan.
Con: Still early to speculate, but Ohio-bred might prove best around one turn.
Jonathan's Way took the first prep race on the Road to Kentucky Derby 151 on Saturday @ChurchillDowns with a win in the Iroquois!
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) September 17, 2024
He is your TS Stable Alerts Horse of the Week and click the link below to add him to your stable!#NeverMissAWinner ⤵️ https://t.co/7q4PL6qxmS pic.twitter.com/3XbxmOSTEP
Tiztastic wins at Kentucky Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 Tiztastic **
Pro: Stakes winner on turf won photo for second in Street Sense (G3) last out.
Con: On paper he needs to quicken while facing a much deeper cast.
Hear Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s thoughts on Lagynos, plus $1M yearling purchase Yinzer who debuts Saturday @ChurchillDowns.
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 21, 2024
As well as Tiztastic, who’s nominated to the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) next Saturday. pic.twitter.com/RLx1rKtqI0
Dapper Moon wins at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
#4 Dapper Moon **
Pro: Louisiana-bred’s maiden score still one of the faster efforts by anyone in the field.
Con: Earned only small checks in first two stakes attempts; perhaps a cut below.
#4 Dapper Moon open up in the end to win R8 at Saratoga under @RSantana_jr for trainer @dallasstewart3! 🌙
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2024
Another top pick winner for handicapper @atthetrack7, this time at 4/1! 💰 pic.twitter.com/WckmHDdNRB
Filoso wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photography / Credit to Susie Raisher
#5 Filoso ****
Pro: Plunked up for third in Breeders’ Futurity (G1) after losing valuable position early.
Con: Not often quick out of the gate and pace scenario might not be favorable enough.
Filoso galloping by at Churchill Downs this morning 🏇
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 22, 2024
3rd place finisher in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity pic.twitter.com/3eSoh3kcjz
Clock Tower wins at Kentucky Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#6 Clock Tower **
Pro: Figures to be prominent from the start and handles all conditions.
Con: Stole maiden setting slow pace and has lacked stamina at other times.
#1 Clock Tower wins easy in the finale at @kydownsracing under Gerardo Corrales for trainer Wesley Ward! 🕰️
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 29, 2024
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/nefAIyhwYd
Sonic Skidaddler wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#7 Sonic Skidaddle **
Pro: Much improved second out, erasing 10-length deficit to win going away.
Con: Maiden-to-G2 not an easy hike in class; will need a strong pace.
#3 Sonic Skidaddle at 10/1 with jockey @luanmachado85 come from well off the pace to score 2nd time out in race 3 @ChurchillDowns or trainer @brenpwalsh! 🏇 @cp365
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 1, 2024
⏪ #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/ddpBWIT5kp
First Resort wins at Ellis Park (Photo by Coady Media)
#8 First Resort ***
Pro: Decent showing in Summer (G1) facing more accomplished turf performers.
Con: Tends to show speed on dirt and might have to contend with early pressure.
The @godolphin homebred #6 First Resort wins easy on debut in R4 at Ellis Park for trainer Eoin Harty with Rafael Bejarano in the saddle! 🤩
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) July 5, 2024
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/X1vgbeGyqI
Render Judgment wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media / Credit to Kurtis Coady)
#9 Render Judgment ***
Pro: Track-and-distance graduate hails from barn that has won this twice in last five years.
Con: Lack of experience facing winners a potential hurdle stepping up.
TwinSpires logo
#10 Redacted *
Pro: Second-time starter has plenty of upside; bred to excel around two turns.
Con: Well-beaten second on debut in an auction maiden and in much deeper waters here.
