In posting clear victories in his three begins of 2024—all grade 1 or grade 2 stakes—Cogburn has established himself because the nation’s prime turf sprinter.
With a victory over worldwide competitors within the Breeders’ Cup Turf Dash (G1T) Nov. 2 at Del Mar, the 5-year-old son of Not This Time would put himself into consideration for an Eclipse Award within the dash and/or turf divisions.
Cogburn has taken full benefit since coach Steve Asmussen and his connections in Could 2023 moved him from the grime, the place he loved some stage of success, to the turf, the place his racing profession has skyrocketed. In seven begins on the inexperienced Cogburn has registered six wins and his undefeated 2024 season features a 2 1/4-length rating within the Twin Spires Turf Dash Stakes (G2T) at Churchill Downs, a 3 1/2-length victory within the Jaipur Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course—within the course of setting a North American file of :59.80 for five 1/2 furlongs, and a 3 1/4-length win within the Turf Dash Stakes (G2T) at Kentucky Downs.
In simply these three begins on the profitable Kentucky and New York circuits, Cogburn has earned $1,772,000 for homeowners William and Corinne Heiligbrodt and Clark Brewster. The latter two victories got here in Breeders’ Cup Problem Collection: Win and You are In occasions, guaranteeing a fees-paid begin Nov. 2.
Relying on the host monitor, the space of the Turf Dash is adjusted. This yr Del Mar will serve up a five-furlong version of the check anticipated to function a full area of 12. Whereas Cogburn has not raced at that distance this yr, he registered a pair of stakes wins going 5 furlongs on the Lone Star Park turf final yr.
Motorious will enter the Turf Dash off a decisive victory at that distance on the Del Mar course as he captured the Inexperienced Flash Handicap (G3T) Aug. 31. Whereas the 6-year-old Muhaarar gelding skilled by Phil D’Amato snapped a three-race dropping streak with that win, a Breeders’ Cup Problem race, he actually is snug on the course as he additionally gained the 2023 Inexperienced Flash.
After final yr’s Inexperienced Flash, Motorious completed fifth as the favourite within the Turf Dash contested at 5 furlongs at Santa Anita Park. This yr he’ll take one other crack on the Turf Dash, however this time it is going to be on a course the place he has three wins in as many begins.
Huge Evs and Bradsell are a pair of intriguing European invaders. RP Racing’s Huge Evs returns to america after posting a half-length victory in final yr’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Dash (G1T) going 5 furlongs at Santa Anita. This yr the 3-year-old son of two-time King’s Stand Stakes (G1) winner Blue Level has added a victory within the King George Stakes (G2) at Goodwood.
Victorious Racing’s Bradsell captured final yr’s King’s Stand and this yr the 4-year-old Tasleet colt has added victories within the Nunthorpe (G1) and Flying 5 (G1) stakes (each are Breeders’ Cup Problem races).
