Meet the Contenders: 2024 Jeff Ruby Steaks
Triple Espresso (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. 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.
Freedom Principle (Photo by Coglianes Photography / Credit to Lauren Photography)
#1 Freedom Principle ****
Pro: Stakes winner over Tapeta at Gulfstream in November; best to ignore interim turf losses.
Con: Inside trips did him little good in either of his last two.
Dancing Groom (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#2 Dancing Groom **
Pro: Gets some modest class relief and picks up world-class Frankie Dettori in the saddle.
Con: Not a serious factor in any earlier Derby prep and new surface a question.
Lucky Jeremy (Photo by Coady Photography)
#3 Lucky Jeremy **
Pro: Form has been consistent throughout and connections having a solid winter here.
Con: Nine furlongs might be a stretch for him, given his running style.
Noted (Photo by Equi-Photo)
#4 Noted ***
Pro: Stakes winner on dirt and turf, probably can handle Tapeta too.
Con: Two of his last three races have been clunkers; recent inconsistency a problem.
Agate Road (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#5 Agate Road ****
Pro: Consistent turf form suggests he should be at home on this surface.
Con: Speed figures don’t stand out and likely to be well backed.
Northern Flame (Photo by Coady Photography)
#6 Northern Flame ***
Pro: Third in Rebel (G2) easily his best stakes attempt in three tries.
Con: Stamina will be tested if part of the early pace again.
Woodcourt (Photo by Coady Photography)
#7 Woodcourt **
Pro: Well experienced colt won his last start here, albeit running for a tag.
Con: Likely needs a strong pace and that’s no guarantee in this field.
Otello wins the Mucho Macho Man (Photo by Coglianese Photography / Credit to Lauren King)
#8 Otello ***
Pro: Rough start, slow pace hurt him in Holy Bull (G3); capable of better.
Con: Given first two starts, might prefer one turn more than two.
Seize the Grey (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#9 Seize the Grey **
Pro: Exits Oaklawn allowance win; might bloom late like his sire.
Con: Like others, hard to know how he’ll handle switch to synthetic surface.
Endlessly (Photo by Benoit Photography)
#10 Endlessly *****
Pro: Enters with 4-for-5 record, including nice win in El Camino Real Derby.
Con: Wasn’t facing much at Golden Gate; sterner class test here.
Baytown Chatterbox (Photo by Coady Photography)
#11 Baytown Chatterbox *
Pro: Huge-price winner of Ellis Park Juvenile, albeit going short.
Con: Speed figures vastly inferior; would be a shock.
West Saratoga (Photo by Coady Photography)
#12 West Saratoga **
Pro: Upset first Road to the Kentucky Derby series prep, though winless since.
Con: Exits slow preps at Tampa; hasn’t taken that step forward at three yet.
Turfway Park Racing (Coady Photo/Turfway Park)
#13 Circle P **
Pro: Running style suggests extra distance around two turns might agree with him.
Con: Has been facing softer in Maryland; tested for class.
Triple Espresso (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#14 Triple Espresso ***
Pro: Didn’t get the best of trips in stakes debut last time; remains with upside.
Con: AE here but in main body of Louisiana Derby (G2) field on Saturday.
