The 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes will take place on the 30th of November this year at Churchill Downs which will be a delight for horse racing fans. One of the most important races for two-year-olds is this Grade 2 race with a $400,000 purse and Kentucky Derby qualifying points available (10-5-3-2-1 to the first five) as well. This race gives insight into the Derby and offers opportunities to bet on the Derby through horse racing betting sites. This race has a long-lasting history and with competitors making it more interesting, fans will surely be entertained.
A Historic Race with Modern Stakes
The Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, which first took place in 1920, has several notable champions, such as Super Saver (2009), who later won the Kentucky Derby, and Twenty Grand (1930), a triple crown horse. The race track, in normal circumstances, measures 1 1/16 miles and offers young horses a chance to familiarize themselves with the Churchill Downs track in preparation for the May Derby.
The competitors’ stakes are very high, as are those of the most astute Derby bettors, eager to catch the earliest sign of potential winners. This year’s group is headlined by ten factory-bred youngsters of varying experience and promising records which augurs well for the handicappers.
The Contenders and Odds at a Glance
| Horse Name | Morning Line Odds |
| He’s Not Joking | 8-1 |
| Jonathan’s Way | 5-2 |
| Tiztastic | 5-1 |
| Dapper Moon | 8-1 |
| Filoso | 8-1 |
| Clock Tower | 10-1 |
| Sonic Skidaddle | 6-1 |
| First Resort | 9-2 |
| Render Judgment | 12-1 |
| Redacted | 30-1 |
Key Horses to Watch
Jonathan’s Way
As a winner of the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes held at Churchill Downs, trained by Phil Bauer, Jonathan’s Way comes into this race as a favorite. Though he disappointed in the Braiders’ Cup Juvenile, his recent exercise patterns hint at a return to form. Being ridden by Joel Rosario increases his chances of winning.
First Resort
This juvenile stakes horse can kick on well with a great speed and has a good record on dirt sprints. He struggled to perform well in the grade 1 bet365 summer stakes on turf recently but since he is a good early leader on dirt, he will be a hard horse to catch in this race.
He’s Not Joking
The Canadian shippers have done well on all weather tracks including winning a Grade 3 event at Woodbine. He hasn’t run on dirt race before but his pedigree suggests he can run well and his position on the rail gives him a nice tactical advantage.
Filoso
Filoso is a horse whose late-running style is very much appropriate for Churchill Downs, especially being third in the breather’s futurity finishing his chase. A series of impressive workouts indicates he may be ready to peak at the right time.
Tiztastic
Although Tiztastic may prefer trolleys, he finished second in the Grade 3 Street Sense Stakes, demonstrating some degree of versatility. He continues to be a name of interest under trainer Steve Asmussen, who is improving him with time.
A Closer Look at Betting Strategy
Bettors will waver in their choices in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes as the field comprises both speedsters and late finishers from which katosuk or Jonathan’s Way, First Resort will take the lead while the likes of Filoso and Sonic Skidaddle would be coming in later and would be benefited if the early pace is fast. This writer would also suggest looking for horses with a background experience at Churchill Downs since a good deal of better performance comes along with the knowing free.
As for the odds, exactas, and trifectas could pay off because one can anticipate very equal contests. Moreover, the race serves as a good pointer to forward Kentucky Derby wagers based on the performances here.
Expert Pick: Jonathan’s Way
Considering the circumstances and present form, his trainers and the recent workouts Jonathan’s Way must be selected confidently for this year’s Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. His past performances at Churchill Downs, and strong connections with trainer Phil Bauer and jockey Joel Rosario should have him in good stead. While First Resort and Filoso merit interest as we and all other runners, Jonathan’s Way experience of running on the dirt and ability to rebound from his last disappointing race makes him our selection.
A Race to Shape the Future
The 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes is more than just a race—it’s a proving ground for future stars of horse racing. With the Kentucky Derby in sight, this event offers fans and bettors a chance to witness emerging talent while engaging in thrilling wagers through reputable horse racing betting sites. Savvy bettors will look to spot the value bets in horse racing, balancing favorites like Jonathan’s Way with enticing longshots like He’s Not Joking. The stakes are high, and finding those hidden opportunities could make the rewards even greater.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: November 29, 2024
Last updated: March 28, 2025