Bashford Manor Stakes 2024: Contenders and Analysis

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The Bashford Manor Stakes is a six-furlong sprint for two-year-old thoroughbred horses, taking place towards the end of the Spring meet at Churchill Downs. This Listed race on the dirt offers a $100,000 purse, with an additional $7,500 from the Breeders’ Cup program. 

The horse racing schedule this year includes the race on June 30th. 

The History

Named after the Bashford Manor Stable owned by George J. Long, it has a rich history, producing several Kentucky Derby contestants and winners, including Azra, Manuel, and Sir Huon.

The inaugural Bashford Manor Stakes took place in 1902, with Von Rouse taking the victory. Worth, the 1911 winner, went on to win the Kentucky Derby the following year. Black Gold, who won in 1923, also secured the Kentucky Derby title in 1924. 

Other notable Derby winners who ran in the Bashford Manor include Donau, Old Rosebud, Clyde Van Dusen, and Grindstone. Their success underscores the race’s significance in the horse betting schedule.

2024 Contenders

For those engaging in offtrack betting this year, Wathnan Racing’s impressive colt Spiralizer aims to secure a win for his Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who seeks his record-extending eighth victory in the Bashford Manor. 

Spiralizer, a son of Twirling Candy, debuted two weeks ago at Churchill Downs, cruising to a two-length victory as the 8-5 favorite. Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Spiralizer will start from the rail in the 123rd running of the Bashford Manor, set as Race 9 of 11, with post time at 4:55 p.m.

Asmussen’s history with the Bashford Manor dates back to 2004 when Lunarpal secured a win. He has since trained winners like Kodiak Kowboy, Kantharos, Cinco Charlie, Sir Truebadour, Cazadero, and Gulfport. This year’s Bashford Manor field includes local maiden special weight winners Conquering Cat, Enduring Spirit, Politicallycorrect, and Vinegar Hill.

A notable contender shipping from outside the Commonwealth is Bodacious, a California-bred colt trained by Jorge Periban. Bodacious dominated his debut at Santa Anita, winning by 5 ¾ lengths. Ridden by Joel Rosario, Bodacious will start from post 5.

Here is the complete field for the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs, listed with their jockeys and trainers:

1. Spiralizer (Tyler Gaffalione, Steve Asmussen)
2. Ivan the Great (Antonio Fresu, Doug O’Neill)
3. Vinegar Hill (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis)
4. Moneyline (Frankie Dettori, Caio Caramori)
5. Bodacious (Joel Rosario, Jorge Periban)
6. Politicallycorrect (Jose Ortiz, Chris Davis)
7. Enduring Spirit (Rey Gutierrez, Rafael Ramos)
8. Conquering Cat (Luis Saez, Chris Davis)
9. War Tax (Jose Gomez, Carlos Martin)
10. Heat (Irad Ortiz Jr., Mark Casse)
11. Happyflyer (Francisco Arrieta, Saffie Joseph Jr.)
12. Mo Hair Sam (Cristian Torres, John Hancock)
13. Smoken Wicked (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart)

Analyzing horse racing odds, Spiralizer’s strong debut and Asmussen’s remarkable record in the Bashford Manor make them prime contenders. However, the competition is fierce with Bodacious and other local winners in the mix.