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Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club

Jonathan's Way

Jonathan's Way (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

TwinSpires Staff

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.

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He's Not Joking wins the Grey S. (G3) at Woodbine.

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 (Photo by Coady Media)

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.

 

Tiztastic wins at Kentucky Downs.

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.

 

Dapper Moon wins at Saratoga

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.

 

 

Filoso wins at Saratoga.

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.

 

 

Clock Tower wins at Kentucky Downs.

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.

 

 

Sonic Skidaddler wins at Churchill Downs.

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.

 

 

First Resort wins at Ellis Park

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.

 

 

Render Judgment wins at Churchill Downs.

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.

 

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#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.

 

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