Big fields assemble for Kentucky Jockey Club, Golden Rod

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Big fields have been entered for the twin 2-year-old stakes that anchor a terrific Stars of Tomorrow card Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Twelve colts and geldings are in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, while the same number of fillies is in the Golden Rod Stakes. Both are Grade 2, $200,000 races at 1 1/16 miles.

Lord Nelson, who owns the two highest Beyer Speed Figures (92 and 90) in the field, ships in from California as the likely Kentucky Jockey Club favorite for trainer Bob Baffert. He was assigned post 9 with Martin Garcia to ride.

Trainer Mark Casse will run three colts for John Oxley – Sky Hero, Moonlight Bandit, and Flashaway, all of whom have made impressive showings already at the Churchill fall meet.

“Hopefully, this will give us an idea of where we are before we break camp for the winter,” said Casse.

West Coast Belle, unbeaten in two starts for owners Gary and Mary West and trainer Wayne Catalano, could be a slight favorite in the Golden Rod. Shaun Bridgmohan has the call.

First post Saturday is 12:40 p.m. Eastern, with the Golden Rod (race 9) going at 4:35 and the KJC (race 11) an hour later. The Kentucky-Louisville college football rivalry game is set for a noon kickoff at nearby Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, so hundreds of fans will be arriving here late.

Saturday marks the second Stars of Tomorrow card of the meet, following the Oct. 26 opener. All 12 races are restricted to 2-year-olds. The concept has been used at every fall meet since 2005.

Sunday is closing day at the fall meet. Turfway Park starts its holiday meet Dec. 4.

Far Right eyes Oaklawn stakes

Somewhat overlooked in the bang-bang finish between Ocho Ocho Ocho and Mr. Z in the Delta Jackpot last Saturday was the big effort turned in by 23-1 shot Far Right, the third-place finisher despite checking very sharply leaving the far turn.

Far Right, a Notional colt privately purchased earlier in the year by Harry Rosenblum, will be pointed to the major 3-year-old events at Oaklawn Park this winter, said trainer Ron Moquett.

“Fortunately, he came out of it good,” said Moquett. “He sure acts like he wants to go long. He’s been coming on in every one of his races. The other day, he galloped out past the alligators.”

◗ As soon as training hours end Monday, demolition work will begin on the lower-box area near the finish line. By next spring, the $4.2 million construction of what will become the Winner’s Circle Suites and Courtyard will be complete.

No work will be done while horses are training. The stable area is vacated Dec. 31 for annual winter renovations and typically reopens about March 10.

◗ Ken and Sarah Ramsey entered the final five-day stretch of the meet tied for leading owner with Gary and Mary West, and the race could go down to the wire – although the Ramseys will be dropping horses in class, such as Reason to Be Proud, a strong favorite in the second race Friday.

◗ Trainer Al Stall Jr. said Rocket Time likely will surface in a minor two-turn stakes at Fair Grounds or Delta Downs after winning a second-level allowance here last Sunday. The 3-year-old son of Tiz Wonderful is now 2-for-2 since being gelded.