The Tenacious 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:
- Track Phantom (KY) – Quality Road – Miss Sunset
- Kinetic (KY) – Street Sense – Collective
- Warrior Johny (KY) – Cairo Prince – Warrior Girl
- Confidence Game (KY) – Candy Ride (ARG) – Eblouissante
- Happy American (KY) – Runhappy – Queen of America
- Velocitor (ON) – Mor Spirit – Polar Plunge
- Saudi Crown (KY) – Always Dreaming – New Narration
- Bo Cruz (KY) – Creative Cause – Quick Breeze
- Ambivalent (KY) – Constitution – Screwgie
Race Analysis:
Saudi Crown is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/5, having shown excellent form with a win in the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes. Track Phantom is another strong contender with odds of 3/1, known for his consistent performance. Warrior Johny and Velocitor are also expected to be competitive, with both having shown potential in their recent starts.
Saudi Crown has the advantage of a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making him a top contender. However, Track Phantom cannot be discounted, given his recent win and solid performance.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Track Phantom: Jose L. Ortiz, Steven M. Asmussen
- Kinetic: Luis Saez, Brad H. Cox
- Warrior Johny: Jaime A. Torres, Philip A. Bauer
- Confidence Game: Axel Concepcion, J. Keith Desormeaux
- Happy American: Declan Cannon, Neil L. Pessin
- Velocitor: David Cohen, Gary M. Scherer
- Saudi Crown: Florent Geroux, Brad H. Cox
- Bo Cruz: Jareth Loveberry, Albert M. Stall, Jr.
- Ambivalent: James Graham, Grant T. Forster
Conclusion:
The Tenacious Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Saudi Crown is the favorite, but with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.