Jeff Ruby Steaks 2026 Analysis (3-21-26)

I’m breaking down the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park, a key Kentucky Derby prep worth 100-50-25-15-10 points to the top five finishers. This $777,000 race is contested at 1 1/8 miles over the all-weather surface, and it’s a fascinating mix of proven synthetic runners, turf shippers, and developing three-year-olds trying to peak at the right time.

Using the past performances from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve evaluated each runner’s form, speed figures, and projected race shape to identify the top contenders.

Field Overview & Key Handicapping Factors

This race presents two major handicapping questions:

• Surface transition: Several runners are switching from turf or dirt to synthetic.
• Distance stretch: The move to 1 1/8 miles is a hurdle for multiple contenders.

With a likely honest pace scenario, I’m focusing on runners who can finish strongly while already proving themselves on this surface or at similar distances.

Top Contenders

#1 Turf Star – Sleeper with Upside

Turf Star is a bit under the radar but has back class, including a 135 rating in a Grade 2 effort. Adding blinkers for a trainer who hits at 30% with the move makes him intriguing.

He could save ground and work out a perfect trip behind the leaders.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Bourbonette Oaks 2026 Analysis (3-21-26)

This is one of the more intriguing Kentucky Oaks prep races on the calendar, and the 2026 Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park shapes up as a wide-open betting race. With a $300,000 purse, Oaks points on the line, and a full field of developing three-year-old fillies, this mile-and-a-sixteenth test on the synthetic surface demands a sharp read on pace, progression, and surface suitability.

I’ve been tracking these Oaks preps closely, and this race presents a great opportunity to find value—especially with several runners trying something new, whether it’s surface, distance, or class level.

Race Overview: Pace & Setup

The key to this race starts with the pace—and more specifically, whether Resplendence can get away with another easy lead.

She’s controlled the tempo in back-to-back Turfway routes, but the numbers tell a deeper story. Her pace rating dropped significantly last time, allowing her to “walk the dog” on the front end. That scenario feels unlikely to repeat here with more tactical speed drawn nearby.

Horses like Resist and possibly Blazing Brat should ensure a more honest tempo. If that happens, the race could tilt toward stalkers and closers—especially those proven on synthetic.

Meet the field

1. Resplendence (5-1)

Her chances hinge entirely on the early pace. If she gets loose again, she’s dangerous. If not, she’s vulnerable.

2. Resist (12-1)

She’s better than she looks on paper. Toss the wide post trip last time—this inside draw should allow a more efficient stalking trip. If she rebounds to her earlier figures, she can hit the board.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest.  

John Battaglia Memorial 2026 Picks (2-21-26)

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes video analysis at Turfway Park (2-21-26). This is a Kentucky Derby 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (21 8-3-2).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Cincinnati Trophy 2026 Video Picks at Turfway Park (2-20-26)

Cincinnati Trophy Stakes video analysis at Turfway Park (2-20-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (19 10-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Jeff Ruby Steaks 2025 Video Analysis

In this horse racing video, I analyze the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park (3-22-25).  

I am covering all of the road to Kentucky Derby prep races, and through the first 28 points races, my top choices have 6 wins, 5 runner-up finishes, and 3 show finishes. Two of my top choices scratched, so I am officially 6-for-26.

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.     

Bourbonette Oaks 2025 Video Analysis: Kentucky Oaks Points Race

In this horse racing video, I analyze the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park (3-22-25).  

I am covering all of the road to Kentucky Oaks prep races, and through the first 25 points races, my top choices have 10 wins, 4 runner-up finishes, and 3 show finishes. Two of my top choices scratched, so I am officially 10-for-23.

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.    

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes 2025 Video Picks at Turfway Park

In this horse racing video, I analyze the John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park (2-22-25).  

I am covering all of the road to Kentucky Derby prep races, and through the first 21 points races, my top choices have 5 wins, 4 runner-up finishes, and a show finish. Two of my top choices scratched, so I am officially 5-for-19. Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Road to Ky Derby & Oaks Video: Jeff Ruby Steaks & Bourbonette Oaks

Here is my latest road to #kyderby 2023 video features analysis of the Jeff Ruby Steaks & Bourbonette Oaks, a #KyOaks points race.    

Check out free stakes picks, Santa Anita full card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Ky Derby & Oaks Video Series: John Battaglia Memorial & Cincinnati Trophy

Here is my latest road to #kyderby 2023 video featuring analysis of the Battaglia Memorial on 3-4-23.   

Check out free stakes picks, Santa Anita full card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race video: Spiral Stakes + Sunland Derby

There are two Kentucky Derby 2017 points races this week. First up is the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park on March 25 followed by the Sunland Derby at Sunland Park on March 26. Both races will be contested at nine furlongs. 

HRN Handicapping Video of the Week: Spiral Stakes with Kitten's Cat, Parlor, and Soglio

The Kentucky Derby 2017 prep races are starting to get serious with the stretch out to nine furlongs. 

I am not sure how much of an impact the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park will have since it is run on all-weather footing but the winner will have enough points to compete in the Derby.