The 2015 Iroquois Stakes from Churchill Downs kicks off the road to Kentucky Derby 2016. In addition to being a win and you’re in to the 2015 Breeders Cup Juvenile. The race is also the first of 35 races offering eligibility points to the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Field for the 2015 Iroquois Stakes
Conquest Windycity has one career start on the turf at Saratoga and now goes to the dirt and draws the inside rail. Pedigree indicates distance and dirt should not be a problem and expect some improvement in 2nd career start. Expensive yearling should like the inside post.
Meeteetse Fly picked up a win on the turf at Ellis Park. Draws first lasix for this race and recent works out should have him fit. Win early pedigree should have him primed for a big effort in this spot. Connections do well in Kentucky and horse has shown some talent.
Expected Ruler shocked the world for Liam D Benson at 47/1 in his debut in a stakes race at Monmouth Park. Stretches out in distance and now goes to the turf. Has a turf pedigree on the sire side and the mare brings some speed to the party. Likely a longshot again and facing tougher field and 8.5 furlongs on a long stretchout.
Condominium is a maiden in this race and showed speed at Saratoga in his most recent race. Has shown speed in both lifetime races and Wayne Lukas likes to run his juveniles hard and often. Should show speed and could take them a long way in this spot. Has a shot at a price. Expect him on the lead.
Unbridled Outlaw picked up a win for Dale Romans in last race at Ellis Park. Spendy yearling of 330K for sire Unbridled’s Song. Faced a strong field in debut and has been bet down in both lifetime races. All signs point to a strong effort.
Cocked and Loaded seems to be regressing. Peaked in 2nd career start and think he may start regressing as the distances get longer. Would be a surprise to change form in this spot. Leaning against in this race.
Star Hill has a dirt pedigree and win early pedigree for Calumet Farm connections. George Arnold does well in Kentucky and with young horses. First lasix and stretching out in distance adds to the appeal in this spot. Could be worth using in the exotics.
Dothat Dance late runner is still a maiden after 3 starts. May like the added distance, but faces several horses in this race who have shown more overall ability.
Missle Bomb is a son of the speedy Tale of the Cat. Lemon Drop Kid adds stamina on the female side. First start on dirt could be an improvement from the last two synthetic races. Capable of waking up in 3rd lifetime start. Facing several winners and others who are improving as well. One to keep an eye on for down the road.
Rated R Superstar broke his maiden in style by 5 lengths in last race and now stretches out with a speedy pedigree. Will be on the lead or close to the lead in this spot and may get the send from Calvin Borel. Ensures a fast pace with Condominium.
Twirling Cinnamon won like a good horse in debut and then ran evenly in Sanford Stakes which featured a full field and plenty of horses getting a rough trip. Look for him to improve in this spot but outside posts will hinder his overall performance.
Baychimo won at Monmouth in 2nd career start. Stretches out and has a turf pedigree. Outside post and facing other mid pack runners in this spot. Hard to put him on top in this spot.
The Choice:
Conquest Windycity is making the aggressive jump in class, but drew the inside post and should improve in 2nd lifetime start. 800K yearling has a dirt pedigree and is the choice in a contested race. Sealy Hill and Twirling Cinnamon are contenders at a price who should also like the distance.