Horse Racing Odds: Jessamine Stakes Contenders

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“Totally Justified” Leads Contenders in Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland

“Totally Justified,” a daughter of Justify and a proven stakes winner, is set to compete in the Jessamine Stakes (G2T) on October 4 at Keeneland. This race is a critical event in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series, offering a coveted spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T). 

Trainer Rusty Arnold, a Saratoga betting veteran, has high hopes for Totally Justified, who enters the Jessamine after a successful run in the P.G. Johnson Stakes at Saratoga, marking her first win on the turf. Offtrack betting fans should note that this filly is one of the highweights in the race, carrying 120 pounds.

Totally Justified’s path to the Jessamine could have been more straightforward. After finishing third in a muddy maiden race at Ellis Park, Arnold aimed to run her on the turf at Kentucky Downs but found the competition in the maiden races challenging.

With approval from owner Alex Bregman, they took a chance in a turf stakes race in New York, which led to her victory. Now, back at Keeneland, Arnold believes she is primed for a strong performance on familiar ground as the horse racing schedule moves into its busiest season.

A Competitive Field in the Jessamine

Totally Justified will face intense competition in the Jessamine. May Day Ready, owned by KatieRich Stables and carrying 120 pounds, is another top contender. 

This filly recently won the Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Kentucky Downs and looks ready for the challenge at Keeneland. Shezafunkydrummer, another stakes winner, comes into the race off a second-place finish in the Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs, adding more depth to the field. She will carry 118 pounds, as her previous win was at a shorter distance.

The field also includes promising 2-year-olds like Italian Soiree, who have shown potential despite not being a stakes winner. She won her debut by over five lengths at Aqueduct before placing second in the Adirondack Stakes (G3). 

Her first start on grass came in the Natalma Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine, where she finished fourth. With a mix of experience and emerging talent, this year’s Jessamine is shaping up to be an exciting race.

With the Jessamine being a significant part of the horse racing schedule, horse racing odds will be closely watched as bettors assess the top contenders. While Totally Justified enters as a favorite, the competitive field promises a thrilling race.

National Treasure Eyes Another Breeders’ Cup Spot

In addition to the excitement at Keeneland, National Treasure, trained by Bob Baffert, is another horse to watch as he prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). After a close second-place finish to Cody’s Wish in last year’s Dirt Mile, National Treasure secured his spot in this year’s event by winning the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) in June. He has consistently performed at the top level, making him a strong contender in the Breeders’ Cup.