Pleasanton Racecourse welcomes a deep field of rising juvenile talent for the Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes, a $75,000 purse event for two-year-olds, to be run over one and one-sixteenth miles. Scheduled for December 14, 2024, the race is a key late-season test of stamina, pedigree, and raw potential.
Race Details
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles
- Eligibility: Two-year-olds
- Entry Fee: $350 to enter, $350 to start
- Supplemental Nomination: $1,500 (includes all fees)
- Purse Distribution:
- 1st: $45,000
- 2nd: $15,000
- 3rd: $9,000
- 4th: $4,500
- 5th: $1,500
Featured Contenders & Pedigrees
| Horse | Owner | Trainer | Pedigree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental Genius | Reddam Racing LLC | Edward R. Freeman | I’ll Have Another × Radish (Square Eddie) |
| Drop Um | Gray Farms Inc. | Felix Rondan | Far From Over × Behavioral (Include) |
| Mala | Greg Avery | Steve M. Sherman | Union Rags × Witchy One (Smart Strike) |
| Maximus | Wells Racing LLC | Cesar DeAlba | Maximus Mischief × One Playful Act (Flat Out) |
| Thirsty Vision | Jose Saldivar | Jesus Ramos | Stay Thirsty × My Scarlett (Grace Upon Grace) |
| Nijinsky Halo | Abraham Chavez | Wendell L. McDaniel | Surf Cat × Blue Sky Holiday (Victory Gallop) |
| Kalea Bay | SF Racing LLC | Bob Baffert | Authentic × For Royalty (Not For Love) |
Race Analysis & Spotlight Horses
- Kalea Bay – Trained by Bob Baffert, this son of Authentic comes armed with high-profile connections and a pedigree built for routing.
- Accidental Genius – Shows early promise with a foundation of stamina and class from I’ll Have Another and solid runs under Edward R. Freeman.
- Maximus and Drop Um – Well-regarded colts with encouraging recent form; could press the pace or strike from stalking positions.
- Thirsty Vision and Mala – Wildcards with enough pedigree to spring an upset, especially if leaders set unsustainable fractions.
Strategic Outlook
Expect jockeys to manage stamina carefully over the extended distance, with tactical versatility proving decisive. Front-runners like Kalea Bay may attempt to control early fractions, but deeper closers could find room late if the pace heats up.
Final Thoughts
The Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes offers an electric mix of pedigree, proven barns, and untapped potential. With reputations on the line and career momentum at stake, this juvenile feature will be one to watch as Pleasanton closes its season with style.
