The Richard R. Scherer Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds is set to be an exciting race for three-year-olds and older over five and one-half furlongs 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
- Distance: Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Older
- Weight: 124 lbs
- Entry Fee: $550 to enter; $550 additional to start
- Supplemental Nominations: $2,000 at time of entry
- Distribution: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth, and 1% to finishers sixth through ninth
Field Overview:
- Mischievous Rogue (KY) – Into Mischief – Mahna
- Bear River (KY) – Flameaway – Sixtyfivenorth
- Dhabab (IRE) – No Nay Never – Habbat Reeh (IRE)
- Panther Island (KY) – Speightstown – Holiday Blues
- Stitched (KY) – Mizzen Mast – Walking Miracle
- Minnesota Ready (KY) – More Than Ready – Eden Prairie
- One Timer (KY) – Trappe Shot – Spanish Star
- Son of a Birch (KY) – Temple City – Urquia
- Ambivalent (KY) – Constitution – Screwgie
Race Analysis:
Ambivalent is the morning line favorite with odds of 6/1, having shown consistent performance with four wins in his last nine starts. Mischievous Rogue is another strong contender with odds of 9/2, known for his speed and ability to perform well on turf. One Timer and Panther Island are also expected to be competitive, with both having shown potential in their recent starts.
Ambivalent has the advantage of a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making him a top contender. However, Mischievous Rogue cannot be discounted, given his recent win and solid performance.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Mischievous Rogue: Jareth Loveberry, Brittany A. Vanden Berg
- Bear River: Axel Concepcion, J. Keith Desormeaux
- Dhabab: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr., Edward Vaughan
- Panther Island: Luis Saez, Brad H. Cox
- Stitched: Edgar Morales, Gregory D. Foley
- Minnesota Ready: Declan Cannon, Thomas M. Amoss
- One Timer: E. T. Baird, Larry Rivelli
- Son of a Birch: Jaime A. Torres, Thomas Morley
- Ambivalent: James Graham, Grant T. Forster
Conclusion:
The Richard R. Scherer Memorial Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Ambivalent is the favorite, but with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
