The Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds is set to be an exciting race for three-year-olds and older over one and one-sixteenth miles on turf. The race will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and has attracted a competitive field of nine starters.
Key Details:
- Purse: $100,000 (Guaranteed)
- Distance: One and One Sixteenth Miles (Turf)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Older
- Weight: 121 lbs for three-year-olds, 124 lbs for older horses
- Entry Fee: $550 to enter; $550 additional to start
- Supplemental Nominations: $2,000 at time of entry (includes all fees)
- Distribution: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth, and 1% to finishers sixth through ninth
- Non-winners of a stakes race at a mile or over in 2024: Allowed 2 lbs
- $80,000 at a mile or over since September 21: Allowed 4 lbs
- $70,000 at a mile or over since then: Allowed 6 lbs
- Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing
- Preference: Given to graded or group winners in order (I, II, III), then highest lifetime earnings
Field Overview:
- Idratherbeblessed (KY) – Unified – Celestial Smile
- Gigante (VA) – Not This Time – Summertime Green
- Swiftsure (KY) – Uncle Mo – Island Saint
- Evan Harlan (KY) – Temple City – Five Each Way
- Stitched (KY) – Mizzen Mast – Walking Miracle
- Another Mystery (IL) – Temple City – Ioya Two
- Tonka Warrior (NY) – Cupid – Gottah Penny
- Bo Cruz (KY) – Creative Cause – Quick Breeze
- Ambivalent (KY) – Constitution – Screwgie
Race Analysis:
Gigante is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/5, having shown excellent form with a win in the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf Stakes. Swiftsure is another strong contender with odds of 3/1, known for his consistent performance. Idratherbeblessed and Another Mystery are also expected to be competitive, with both having shown potential in their recent starts.
Gigante has the advantage of a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making him a top contender. However, Swiftsure cannot be discounted, given his recent win and solid performance.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Idratherbeblessed: Ben Curtis, Chris A. Hartman
- Gigante: Jose L. Ortiz, Steven M. Asmussen
- Swiftsure: Luis Saez, Michael J. Maker
- Evan Harlan: Edgar Morales, Brendan P. Walsh
- Stitched: Declan Cannon, Gregory D. Foley
- Another Mystery: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr., Chris M. Block
- Tonka Warrior: James Graham, McLean Robertson
Conclusion:
The Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Gigante is the favorite, but with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
