Forged Steel likely to get stakes test in Kentucky Downs Juvenile

Forged Steel has emerged as one of the more exciting 2-year-olds at the Royal Palm meet at Gulfstream Park and soon he will advance to stakes company.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said Tuesday that Forged Steel is being pointed toward the $750,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile. The one-mile turf race is set for Sept. 8 at the European-style track. Forged Steel is coming off a win at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf Aug. 11 at Gulfstream. He was making his second career start and rolled home by more than eight lengths in the maiden special weight. For the effort, Forged Steel earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 75.

“I thought his performance was very impressive – first time on the grass, first time going two turns,” Joseph said. “We were trying to stretch him out on the dirt, but we couldn’t get the race to go. The grass race was there, and Kentucky Downs was around the corner, so we talked it over with the ownership group and we said, ‘We’ll try it and see what happens.’ He has a turf pedigree on his dam’s side.”

Forged Steel’s dam, Scorecard, was a three-time winner on the grass.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

Forged Steel, who is by Vekoma, debuted in July at Gulfstream as a 4-5 favorite. He finished second in the six-furlong race that went in a swift 1:10.50, with winner Rated by Merit earning a Beyer of 92. At the time, it was the year’s top number for a 2-year-old in North America.

Forged Steel was again the 4-5 favorite when making his second start earlier this month. He pushed the pace in the turf race before separating himself from his rivals, covering the 7 1/2 furlongs on firm ground in 1:28.28.

“I thought it was as visually impressive as a horse can win, the way he quickened the last furlong,” Joseph said. “We’re going to go to Kentucky Downs, all being well.”

Joseph trains Forged Steel for C2 Racing Stable and Mathis Stable.

The horse will be part of a contingent of runners Joseph plans to start at Kentucky Downs. He’s won 10 races at the boutique the last two years, including the One Dreamer Stakes in 2023 with Sister Lou Ann, who could run again at the meet this year, said Joseph.

Joseph also has Champions Dream pointed for the $500,000 Tapit at one mile and 70 yards on turf Aug. 29. Champions Dream won at the distance on Tapeta in his last start June 23 at Gulfstream, putting up a Beyer of 96.

Joseph said Abrumar is on deck for the $3 million Nashville Derby on Aug. 31. The horse won the Colonel Liam in March at Gulfstream.

Another Joseph runner who could see stakes action at the Kentucky Downs meet is Be My Sunshine.

“We’d like to run as many as we can and hopefully get some winners,” Joseph said of Kentucky Downs.

Joseph won five races from 25 starters at last year’s meet and those runners earned more than $1 million.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.