The Official “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” begins with the Iroquois Stakes for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16th miles under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.
Top 2021 Iroquois Contenders:
Stellar Tap is the morning line favorite. Steve Asmussen trains the son of Tapit who opened his career with a 5 length victory at Saratoga. Horses forwardly placed did very well on August 7th. Stellar Tap has worked 4 times since his debut. Distance breeding on both sides of pedigree indicates the stretch out should not be an issue. Don’t take too short odds on a horse who may be a little overbet based on one effort and shipping to a new surface. All his works have been at Saratoga and now going to race under the lights.
Red Knobs improved dramatically in his second-lifetime start. The race came off the turf that day and he may have been facing a field that was turf-focused. Pedigree has turf on the female side. But the second race improvement is a positive sign and he may be able to make a move forward off that effort with a 20/1 morning line.
Major General made his debut a winning effort at Saratoga. Holding off several challenges including two horses who made early moves and this may have limited his stretch punch. Sire Constitution has done well with young horses and broodmare sire Uncle Mo adds some speed to the pedigree.
Guntown is by first-crop sire and horse of the year in 2017. Gun Runner picked up two stakes winners at Saratoga with Echo Zulu and Gunite both trained by Steve Asmussen who trained Gun Runner. Guntown is also trained by Steve Asmussen and goes for Winchell Thoroughbreds who owned Gun Runner. His 87 Brisnet speed figures have him in the top contenders.
Bourbon Heist is trained by Ian Wilkes who does well with young horses and they can dramatically improve early in their careers. He has already made three starts and enters this field as a maiden but has faced classy winners in all three of his efforts. Morning line of 9/2 for the maiden and Smokin Joe Talamo rides the son of Practical Joke.
Magnolia Midnight goes for Dallas Stewart and this horse makes his third start. His first two effort were at Colonial Downs with a turf race and dirt race. The stretch-out and 3rd start should mean continued improvement and Successful Appeal adds speed on the female side. Corey Lanarie rides and should save ground.
Iroquois Selections:
Win: Major General
Place: Guntown
Show: Magnolia Midnight
Watch the Iroquist Preview