This weekend is a big one in horse racing, with many notable graded races taking place, including Kentucky Derby qualifiers. Some of the most anticipated events are running at Gulfstream Park, Aqueduct, Santa Anita Park, and Sam Houston.
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Here’s a look at some of the big races this weekend:
Saturday Graded Races At Gulfstream
Gulfstream Park Race 4 – Kitten’s Joy Stakes (Grade 3)
The $100,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes will see a field of seven 3-year-olds cover one mile on turf. Some of the top names include the favorite Never Surprised (+180), second-choice Kentucky Pharoah (+250), and It’s a Gamble (+450).
Gulfstream Park Race 6 – Swale Stakes (Grade 3)
The $100,000 Swale Stakes is restricted to 3-year-olds and covers seven furlongs. The field of six is led by names like By George (+200), Drain the Clock (+250), and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher’s Likeable (+300).
Gulfstream Park Race 9 – Forward Gal Stakes (Grade 3)
With a purse of $100,000, the Forward Gal is open to 3-year-old fillies. There are eight runners entered into the race, and it will cover seven furlongs.
Some of the top names leading the field are Zaajel (+140), Lady Traveler (+400), and Coach Jer’s Joy (+450).
Gulfstream Park Race 10 – Sweetest Chant Stakes (Grade 3)
Running right before the highlight race at Gulfstream Park, the $100,000 Sweetest Chant is open to 3-year-old fillies. The field of eight is set to cover one mile on turf.
It is being led by Todd Pletcher’s Con Lima (+250), Honey Pants (+300), and White Frost (+450).
Gulfstream Park Race 11 – Holy Bull Stakes (Grade 3)
The highlight race on Gulfstream’s Saturday card, the $200,000 Holy Bull Stakes is a Kentucky Derby qualifying race. The first four finishers will be awarded points on a scale of 10-4-2-1.
It is open to 3-year-olds and covers 1 1/16 miles. Some of the leading names include Greatest Honour (+250), Prime Factor (+300), and Sittin On Go (+500).
Other Saturday Graded Races
Aqueduct Race 4 – Toboggan Stakes (Grade 3)
The $150,000 Toboggan Stakes is the highlight race on Aqueduct’s card. It is open to 4-year-olds and up and will cover seven furlongs.
The leading runners among the small field of five are Share the Ride (+160), Pete’s Play Call (+180), and Stan the Man (+250).
Santa Anita Race 5 – San Pasqual Stakes (Grade 3)
The $200,000 San Pasqual is open to 4-year-olds and up. The field of five will cover 1 1/8 miles, with top names including Idol (+180), King Guillermo (+200), and Express Train (+200).
Santa Anita Race 7 – Robert B. Lewis Stakes (Grade 3)
The other Kentucky Derby qualifying race of the weekend is the $100,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The first four finishers will receive points on a 10-4-2-1 scale.
Open to 3-year-olds and covering 1 1/16 miles, the field includes names like Medina Spirit (+250) and Spielberg (+350).
Sunday Graded Races
Sam Houston Race 8 – Houston Ladies Classic (Grade 3)
One of Sunday’s highlight races, the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic is open to 4-year-old-and-up fillies and mares. The field of seven will cover 1 1/16 miles and include names like Letruska (-105), Motion Emotion (+350), and Lady Apple (+400).
Sam Houston Race 9 – John B. Connally Turf Cup (Grade 3)
The $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup is open to 4-year-olds and up and covers 1 1/2 miles. The sizable field of 12 includes many impressive runners like Spooky Channel (+250), Conviction Trade (+350), and Tut’s Revenge (+450).
Be sure to check JAZZ Horse Racing for all the latest horse racing news; weekend graded stakes recap and results; as well as up to the minute reports on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
