The Nelson J. Menard Memorial Stakes is set to take place at Fair Grounds on December 25, 2024. This Grade I race offers a purse of $100,000 and covers a distance of about five and one-half furlongs on turf. The race is open to fillies and mares aged three years and older.
Contenders:
- Off Ramp (KY) – Jockey: M. Pedroza, Jr., Trainer: J. Sharp, Odds: 12/1
- Harbor Springs (KY) – Jockey: E. Morales, Trainer: G. D Foley, Odds: 12/1
- Riley Jean (KY) – Jockey: D. Cannon, Trainer: T. M Amoss, Odds: 15/1
- Berlaine (KY) – Jockey: D. H Magnon, Trainer: R Magnon, Odds: 50/1
- Oeuvre (IL) – Jockey: D. Cohen, Trainer: C. M Block, Odds: 6/1
- Cupids Crush (MN) – Jockey: J. Barbosa, Trainer: M. Robertson, Odds: 9/2
- Accomplished Girl (KY) – Jockey: J. Loveberry, Trainer: S. M Asmussen, Odds: 7/2
- Repasado (KY) – Jockey: B. Curtis, Trainer: R. Diodoro, Odds: 15/1
- Runninwiththeboyz (KY) – Jockey: F. Geroux, Trainer: L. Schultz, Odds: 10/1
- All I Want Is You (KY) – Jockey: J. L Ortiz, Trainer: I. Correas IV, Odds: 9/2
- Speedy Traveler (KY) – Jockey: J. A Torres, Trainer: P. A Bauer, Odds: 8/1
- Cecile (KY) – Jockey: A. Concepcion, Trainer: L. Schultz, Odds: 12/1
Analysis:
- Oeuvre is a strong contender, having won the past two runnings of this race. Trained by Chris Block, she has shown remarkable consistency on turf and is a threat to win again.
- Accomplished Girl is another horse to watch. Trained by Steve Asmussen, she won the Pan Zareta Stakes on this course recently and has shown good gate presence and the ability to run from off the pace.
- Speedy Traveler is making her turf debut but has shown early foot in her races. Trained by Phil Bauer, she is a lightly-raced filly with a solid third-place finish in her last race.
- Cupids Crush and All I Want Is You are also contenders with strong showings in recent races.
This race promises to be highly competitive with a mix of experienced turf runners and promising newcomers.
