The Horse Guy

Top Ten 2-year old Thoroughbreds in 2024

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy , , , , ,

Top Thoroughbreds

In 2024, the two-year-old thoroughbred racing division has been exceptionally competitive, with several standout horses already making waves on the track. Here’s a look at the top ten two-year-olds in thoroughbred racing for this year, along with their trainers, earnings, and Beyer Speed Figures—a key performance metric for speed.

1. Fierceness
– Trainer: Todd Pletcher
– Earnings: Over $500,000 in 2024
– Wins: 3, including a notable win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
– Beyer Speed Figure**: Reached 111, demonstrating top-tier speed and stamina, especially over distances like the 1 1/8 mile.

2. Sierra Leone
– Trainer: Bob Baffert
– Earnings: Close to $450,000
– Wins: 2 wins in 2024, both in graded stakes
– Beyer Speed Figure**: 112, marking it as one of the fastest in this division. Sierra Leone shows promise in longer races, excelling in both stamina and acceleration.

3. Arthur’s Ride
– Trainer: Bill Mott
– Earnings: Approximately $400,000
– Wins: 2 major wins this season
– Beyer Speed Figure: 110, proving impressive consistency. Arthur’s Ride has developed rapidly, positioning itself as a top contender for future classic races.

4. Bentornato
– Trainer: Richard Mandella
– Earnings: $350,000 in 2024
– Wins: Multiple graded stakes wins
– Beyer Speed Figure: 102, showing versatility and impressive sprinting ability over distances like 6 to 7 furlongs.

5. Valentine Candy
– Trainer: Steve Asmussen
– Earnings: Approximately $320,000
– Wins: 2 wins in 2024, with one being a significant stakes race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 105, marking solid performance in mid-distance races, particularly effective over seven furlongs.

6. Mindframe
– Trainer: Chad Brown
– Earnings: Around $310,000
– Wins: 2 wins, showcasing agility and pace
– Beyer Speed Figure: 103, indicating strong closing speed, which is especially advantageous in competitive fields.

7. Notable Speech (GB)
– Trainer: John Gosden
– Earnings: Over $300,000
– Wins: Has dominated on turf in Europe and brought its performance stateside with success in a mile race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 103, impressive for a European import transitioning to American tracks, showing adaptability.

8. Forever Young (JPN)
– Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
– Earnings: Nearing $300,000
– Wins: Successful in both Japan and the U.S.
– Beyer Speed Figure: 109, showing notable speed and resilience over long distances. Forever Young is quickly becoming a fan favorite for its international versatility.

9. Domestic Product
– Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
– Earnings: $290,000
– Wins: 2 wins, including a key turf race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 106, marking one of the higher figures for turf races, which has made Domestic Product a formidable competitor in grass races.

10. Jefferson Street
– Trainer: Todd Pletcher
– Earnings: Over $250,000
– Wins: 2 wins in shorter races, displaying sprinting prowess
– Beyer Speed Figure: 102, solidifying Jefferson Street’s ability in fast-paced races and marking it as a potential sprinter to watch in the upcoming seasons.

These two-year-olds not only represent the future of thoroughbred racing but also highlight the importance of trainers’ expertise in developing young talent. Their performances this year set them up as prime contenders for races like the Kentucky Derby and other major stakes in 2025.

 

There are several more outstanding thoroughbred that could be considered of the list butt these are my Top ten by The Horse Guy. Check out more post like this HERE.

We cover many sports topics including Baseball History which is one of Tom’s favorite passions.Soon our Road to the Kentucky Derby for 2025 will begin with the Kentucky derby Jockey Club and the Remsen Stakes.

Thanks for reading! 

Way too Early 2025 Kentucky Derby Hopefuls

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy
Way too Early 2025 Kentucky Derby Hopefuls

 

 

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be an exciting race, with a competitive field of contenders aiming for victory. Among the hopefuls, several horses are standing out due to strong performances in key prep races, and many have posted impressive Beyer Speed Figures, which gauge a horse’s performance over time. Here’s an overview of some of the top prospects, their trainers, and recent Beyer figures:

Sierra Leone – Trained by Todd Pletcher, Sierra Leone has consistently impressed, emerging as a favorite in early betting with odds of 3-1. Known for his speed and endurance, Sierra Leone has posted Beyer Speed Figures that reinforce his place as a top contender in the Derby lineup. Pletcher’s guidance is expected to prepare him well for the mile-and-a-quarter distance​

Mystik Dan – Mystik Dan, trained by Brad Cox, is another strong contender, with notable wins in preliminary races. Known for a powerful close in the stretch, he has a Beyer Speed Figure that marks him as a possible dark horse in the Derby, even with higher odds of 20-1. Mystik Dan’s performance will be one to watch, especially given Cox’s history of success in Triple Crown races​

Dornoch – Trained by Chad Brown, Dornoch has shown consistent improvement and adaptability across various tracks, with Beyer figures indicating steady progress. Brown, a highly respected trainer with a reputation for conditioning top turf horses, has been working on Dornoch’s speed on dirt in preparation for the Derby, where he’s entering with favorable odds of 20-1​

Catching Freedom– Phil D’Amato’s Catching Freedom is among the faster horses, with a Beyer that has caught the attention of bettors and analysts. His recent performances in preparatory stakes races, where he’s demonstrated both speed and stamina, have placed him among the top contenders with 8-1 odds​

 

Fierceness – Trained by Kenny McPeek and among the early favorites, Fierceness has a Beyer Speed Figure that reflects his speed and agility, especially over long distances. With odds currently at 5-2, Fierceness’s recent wins and McPeek’s training expertise make him a prime candidate for a strong finish in the Derby​

Just a Touch – Under Danny Gargan’s training, Just a Touch has maintained steady form, with a solid Beyer figure that makes him a 10-1 contender. Gargan’s approach to Just a Touch has focused on developing his endurance, which could prove essential over the Derby’s demanding distance​

T O Password (JPN) – This Japanese import, trained by Steve Asmussen, has odds of 30-1 but brings international experience and a strong Beyer figure from his performances overseas. His potential as a longshot may surprise fans as he faces American competition on the Churchill Downs track​

Track Phantom – Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Track Phantom is another noteworthy entry with 20-1 odds. Lukas’s experience with Derby horses is legendary, and his guidance could bring out the best in Track Phantom, whose Beyer Speed Figures show potential​

Honor Marie – With Michael McCarthy as the trainer, Honor Marie rounds out the field with respectable odds of 20-1. His consistent Beyer figures signal readiness for a competitive performance, as McCarthy’s methods often yield results in high-stakes environments​.

 

 

These horses, with experienced trainers and strong Beyer figures, represent a field that is both talented and unpredictable. The Road to the Kentucky Derby races, including the Florida Derby, Wood Memorial, and Blue Grass Stakes, will continue to shape the lineup and test these contenders’ endurance and speed. The Derby’s outcome is as unpredictable as ever, promising an exhilarating start to the 2025 Triple Crown season.

Be sure to follow the Horse Guy right here as we follow all of the races that will impact the field for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Next up is the Kentucky Jockey Club race at the end of November.

 

 

Travers Stakes 2024- from the Horse Guy

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy , , , , , , , ,

The Travers Stakes (also known as Mid-Summer Classic) is held at Saratoga Race Course and is likely the most important and biggest race between the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup.This is a Grade 1 , $1,25 million race for a field of eight where all entrants have won either a stakes races or are a Grade 1 winner. the combined winnings of all of the entries are more than $18 million.

Let’s take a look at the field by their post position.

  1. Thorpedo Anna– is getting the most buzz out of this group as she is the only filly in the Travers Stakes. She is trained by Kenny McPeek and has opening odds of 3-1 to win the race. She started 2024 by winning the GR Fantasy at Oaklawn and then went on to victory oat the grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. She won two races ar Saratoga with the Coaching Club American Oaks and Acorn. Each win was by over four lengths. She is the daughter of Fast Anna.
  2. Sierra Leone– is the son of Gun Runner and is trained by Chad Brown. The opening odds are 7-2 to win. He got second in the Jim Dandy behind Fierceness. He was a Grade 1 winner of the Blue Grass Stakes. This will be his sixth start of the year. Look for him to close strong in the Travers Stakes.
  3. Unmatched Wisdom- at 9-1 odds he is also a son of Gun Runner and trained by Chad Brown He is undefeated in three starts. This is his first graded stakes races. Irad Ortiz, Jr, will be on board. Odds are 9-1 to gain victory at the Travers Stakes.
  4.  Corporate Power– the son of Tapit and is 15-1 odds. Trained by Shug McGaughey. Don’t look for this one to give up. A sleeper in the group.
  5. Batten Down–  trained by Bill Mott, this son of Tapit is 20-1 odds to win the Travers Stakes. In April, this horse broke his maiden at Churchill Downs and went on to win the Ohio Derby and got third in the Jim Dandy
  6. Honor Marie is a longshot at 20-1 and the son of Honor Code and finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes. He will wear blinkers to help him.
  7. Dornoch- This is an impressive horse trained by Danny Gergen . He is the son of Good Magic. Dornoch won his previous two race in the Belmont and Haskell Stakes. Jockey Luis Saez has won the Travers Stakes in previous years. opening odds to win are 5-2.
  8.  Fierceness– is trained by Todd Pletcher and is the son of City of Light. He is 3-1 odds to win. He likes to run near the front of the pack most of the time and is a previous winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Florida Derby.

Travers Stakes Pick and Prediction

The majority of interest is in Thorpedo Anna, as a filly hasn’t won this race since 1915. There are four quality horses in the Travers Stakes. You probably can’t go wrong with any of the four(Thorpedo Anna, Dornoch, Fierceness, Sierra Leone).

My money goes to Dornoch first, then Fieceness second, Thorpedo Anna third and Sieraa Leone fourth.

 

Travers Stakes Past Winners

Notable Travers winners from years past include Kentucky (1864), Ruthless (1867), Duke of Magenta (1878), Hindoo (1881), Henry of Navarre (1894), Broomstick (1904), Roamer (1914), Man o’ War (1920), Twenty Grand (1931), Granville (1936), Whirlaway (1941), Native Dancer (1953), Gallant Man (1957), Sword Dancer (1959), Buckpasser (1966), Damascus (1967), Arts and Letters (1969), Alydar (1978), Temperence Hill (1980), Forty Niner (1988), Easy Goer (1989), Holy Bull (1994), Thunder Gulch (1995), Point Given (2001), Medaglia d’Oro (2002), Bernardini (2006), Street Sense (2007), Arrogate (2016), Essential Quality (2021), and Arcangelo (2023).

 

How to Watch the Travers

The 155th Travers will be broadcast nationwide on FOX during NYRA’s “Saratoga Saturdays” show airing from 3 to 6:30 p.m. ET. Post time is set for 6:10 p.m.

Check us out each Saturday on race day here.

Alabama Stakes- from the Horse Guy

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy , , , , , , ,
Alabama Stakes

Alabama Stakes 2024 Overview

Saratoga race course will once again have the best in thoroughbred racing this weekend. The Alabama Stakes 2024 will highlight the weekend card. Before we give our winners, let’s look at some past Alabama Stakes races.

The inaugural running of the Alabama Stakes took place on July 19, 1872 and was won by a chestnut filly named Woodbine owned by prominent New York financier August Belmont Sr. Jockey Jorge Velasquez has won the Alabama Stakes six time to lead all Jockeys. In 2023. Randomized. trained by Chad Brown was the Alabama Stakes winners.

In 1990, Go For Wand. set the track race record for the Alabama Stakes in a time of 2.00.98.

 

Alabama Stakes 2024 Entries

On Saturday, on the main track at Saratoga there will be eight fillies vying for first place in the 1 1/4 mile races known as the Alabama Stakes. Let’s look at them by post position.

The Alabama is carded as race 10 of 12 with post time scheduled for 5:43 p.m. EDT.

  1. Intricate– Is the daughter  of Gun Runner and trained by Tyler Gaffalione with 8-1 odds to win the Alabama Stakes 2024. So far this year, this horse is not won any of the four horses she as entered. Use this horse down on your card.
  2.  Chatalas is 8-1 odds to win and is a Kentucky bred horse that also the daughter of Gun Runner. She won the Grade 3 Indiana Oaks this year. Also, not a threat.
  3.  Power Squeeze is from Union rages and is trained by Jorge Delgado at 4-1 odds to win the Alabama Stakes race. She has won four stakes races this year and is the horse to best in this race.
  4. Just Basking  – is the daughter of Arrogate and enters with 5-1 odds to win. She won the Iowa Oaks and will face her stiffest challenge to date. Not a bad horse but third at best.
  5. America’s Vow– is 12-1 odds and has Contitution as it’s dam. She got third in the Suncoast and hasn’t had many good outings. Not a good finisher in the Alabama Stakes.
  6. Miss Justify – enter with 9-2 odds and is trained by Todd Pletcher and will have Falvien Prat on board. She has won a few races and appears to have a chance to threaten with a win.
  7. Candied – is the daughter of Candy Ride and is also trained by Todd Pletcher. She is the only Grade 1 winner in the field. In the CCA Oaks, she was second to Thorpedo Anna. Possible winners of the Alabama Stakes.
  8.  Neon Icon is 12-1 to win. She has already won a 1 1/4 mile. She is from the Arrogate family with Louis Saez aboard.

Picks and Predictions

Be sure to check the odds before you bet as they will change before post time.

Candied is the class and is our pick to win and she has the most career earnings and a Grade 1 win under her belt.

Exacta- 7-3-6-4  Please bet responsibly!

 

 

Next week Travers Stakes then we have the Saranac, followed by Jockey Cup Gold and the Hopeful. Also, we are working on the Breeders’ Cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were winners last week, so check out the article on the Arlington Million!

Fourstardave Stakes Pick and Prediction by The Horse Guy

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy

The Fourstardave is part of the Breeders’ Cup challenge series, with the winner getting a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 2. This is a seven horse race for $500,000 at Saratoga. It is a one-mile turf race with the winner getting an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile on November 2 at Del Mar.

Each of these seven entrants have won stakes races and  some have won more than one. Let’s look at the entries by post position and what The Horse Guy has for winning picks this week.

** Also this weekend The Horse Guy has his picks for the Arlington Million.

1– Strong Quality is the son of Quality Road and is trained by Mark Casse and has an early odds of 8-1 to win. In June, this horse finished eighth in the Grade 1 Manhattan and later won a restricted stakes at Churchill Downs and then went to the Fair Grounds and won the Colonel Bradley. Not likely for this horse to win but could fit underneath.

2- Master of the Seas has been scratched.

3. Major Dude- Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velasquez, this is the son of Bolt d’ Oro and is 8-1 to win. This horse won the Penn Mile and Kitten’s Joy in 2023. This will be his second start this year. He won an allowance race just a few weeks ago. This horse isn’t seen as a contender.

4.Carl Spackler is the son of Lope de Vega- is a Chad Brown trained horse and will have Tyler Gaffalione on board. This is the top choice at 9-5 odds with three graded stakes wins at Saratoga. in the Kelso, the Saranac and the Hall of Fame. He has been the favorite in his last seven races. Likely winner.

5. Money Supply is 10-1 odds to win and will be ridden by Manny Franco. This son of Practical Joke won the Horseshoe Invitational in Indiana along with the Grade 1 Mineshaft at the Fair Grounds. He has won five in a row. Could be a top four finisher

6. Ottoman Fleet- is 8-5 odds to win this race. He has won three graded stakes in the USA and three group stake in Europe. He was won 2 of his previous 4 races. He is a contender.

7. More Than Looks is 7-2 to win the Fourstardave. He is the son of More Than Ready and will have Irad Ortiz, Jr. as his mount. This is his first start since last year when he finished sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Could lead the chase before falling back to a spot out of the money.

 

Pick and Prediction

When Master of the Seas scratched, many things changed. Now, look for Ottoman Empire to take the race and Carl Spackler getting into a second position. Be sure to check the latest odds from the track before betting.

 

 

Check out what The Horse Guy has to say each and every Friday on the graded stakes races.

 

Arlington Million- from The Horse Guy

Tom Knuppel The Horse Guy

THE RAIN on the EAST COAST MAY MOVED THIS RACE to SUNDAY or later.

The Arlington Million was held in the Chicago area for many years until it closed two seasons ago. Last year was the first time it was held at Colonial Downs. 2024 marks the second running of this high stake race.

Let’s take a look at the entries in this race and analyze each one. This is the 11th race of 12 on August 9th at this track with a 5:40 CT for the scheduled post time.

Horses are listed by post position.

 

  1. Integration- This horse will be ridden by Kendrick Carmouche and is trained by Shug McGaughey. The current odds are 5-2 to win. This horse has won every race (3) it has entered at Colonial Downs. also, Integration was victorious in the Million Preview by 6.5 lengths on soft turf. This horse is the son of Quality Road and is possibility to win this race but also the longest race of his career.
  2. 2. Ancient Rome– the son of War Front, this horse is trained by Charlie Hills and will have Jamie Spencer on board.This horse won the Mint Million in September at Kentucky Downs. Appears to have enough to win this race.

3. Sugoi-This horse is a long shot. At 8-1 odds, this 7 year old son of Krakonite has not shown the propensity to winning. Trainer Mike Maker can and does turn these types into winners.

4. Nations Pride– at 8-5 odds , this horse looks to be the one to beat. The son of Teofilo has raced all over the world with good success. Trainer Charlie Appelby has raced and won in Canada, Dubai, Germany and Bahrain

5- Highland Chief- comes in at 19-1 odds and appr\ears to be outclassed in this race. He has won a few races by of the lower level. Not likely a top finisher.

6. Talk of the Nation is 5-1 to win and is trained by Todd Pletcher. This is a decent hosrse that has finished out of the top three once in 11 starts. He has ran mile races many times and may have that advantage. All that said, he is not in the money after the race has finished.

 

Picks and Predictions

This race may get moved several times before it can ran as the East Coast is expecting and getting heavy rains for several days due to the Tropical storm/ Hurricane known as Debby.

Nations Pride is the class of this bunch . Bet him to win. Second place is harder to determine. Choices are Ancient Rome and Integration.

 

***Be sure to check out the Horse Guy each and Every Friday for more graded Stakes winners!