Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club
Jonathan's Way (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
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.
RELATED: Kentucky Derby News and Notes
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.
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 (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. (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. (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. (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 (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. (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.
