While the winner of the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)
typically is labeled the earliest Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite, the road
to the first Saturday in May appears to start in earnest at Delta
Downs.
With a $1-million purse, the winner of the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes
(G3) on Saturday will own an easy path toward securing a starting spot
in the Derby’s field of 20, which is determined by purse earnings in
graded stakes races.
The journey to Churchill Downs is a long one, however, as only Outta
Here (2002) and Z Humor (2007) have competed in the Derby after winning
the Jackpot. West Side Bernie finished ninth in the 2008 Derby after a
runner-up finish to Big Drama in that year’s Jackpot.
The 1 1/16-mile race for two-year-olds drew an impressive field of ten, including eight stakes winners.
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