Mike previews the 2022 Pocahontas Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, then gives his top picks and longshots in the first prep race for the 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1). The undefeated Ellis Park Debutante Stakes winner Justa Warrior holds an experience edge over several of her rivals, but is a new shooter waiting to pull an upset? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!
SMASH the *Thumbs Up* ~ HIT *Subscribe* ~ RING the *Notification* bell
- Pegasus World Cup 2026: Probable Starters and What Bettors Need to Know
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup is fast approaching, and if you’re serious about cashing tickets on one of North America’s richest and most competitive Grade I races, you can’t go in blind. With a $3… Read more: Pegasus World Cup 2026: Probable Starters and What Bettors Need to Know - Lecomte & Silverbulletday Stakes Picks + Pegasus World Cup Early Look | Blinkers Off 764
The Racing Dudes deliver picks and analysis for the Lecomte Stakes (G3) and Silverbulletday Stakes, two key Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep races at Fair Grounds. Find out which 3-year-olds… Read more: Lecomte & Silverbulletday Stakes Picks + Pegasus World Cup Early Look | Blinkers Off 764 - College Football Final and NFL Playoff PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 271
Aaron and Papa Dude preview the College Football Final and second week of the NFL playoffs. The duo will examine each game within the playoff, and will also give their… Read more: College Football Final and NFL Playoff PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 271 - Triple Crown 2026 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Several Fantasy Runners Take Shot at Lecomte Stakes
Each week we’ll bring you the standings, power rankings, and all the latest transactions from every Racing Dudes Triple Crown Fantasy League team. You’ll not only see which horses are moving up… Read more: Triple Crown 2026 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Several Fantasy Runners Take Shot at Lecomte Stakes - Kentucky Derby 2026 Latest News & Top 5 | Action Heats Up in Lecomte Stakes
This weeks top 5 contenders list for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) includes 2 runners exiting the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, led by the race winner Ted Noffey. Will he be… Read more: Kentucky Derby 2026 Latest News & Top 5 | Action Heats Up in Lecomte Stakes - Lecomte Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race
Aaron previews the field for the 2026 Lecomte Stakes, which will be contested at Fair Grounds on Saturday, January 17th. Will Brad Cox win this race with any of his… Read more: Lecomte Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race
The track press release:
Holy Cow Stable’s $200,000 Adirondack (Grade III) winner Naughty Gal was entered to face a full field of 11 rivals including Stone Bridge Farm’s undefeated $125,000 Ellis Park Debutante winner Justa Warrior in Saturday’s $300,000 Pocahontas (GIII) at Churchill Downs.
The 1 1/16 mile Pocahontas kicks off the 2022-23 Road to the Kentucky Oaks. The Pocahontas was carded as the 11th race finale with a post time of 5:58 p.m. Saturday’s program also will feature the $300,000 Iroquois (GIII), the Pocahontas’ male counterpart which kicks off the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Along with the duo of 2-year-old stakes events, the program includes the $400,000 Locust Grove (GIII), $300,000 Open Mind (Listed) and $275,000 Louisville Thoroughbred Society.
Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, Naughty Gal broke her maiden at second asking on July 4 at Churchill Downs by 9 ¼ lengths. One month later the daughter of leading stallion Into Mischief became a graded stakes winner when she led every step of the way in the 6 ½-furlong Adirondack. Just two weeks ago, Naughty Gal tested Grade I competition in the $300,000 Spinaway (GI) but faded to ninth. She’ll be ridden in the Pocahontas by Mitchell Murrill from post No. 3.
Justa Warrior, the daughter of Triple Crown winner Justify, is undefeated from two starts for Ellis Park leading trainer John Ortiz. In her debut, Justa Warrior drew away from a field of nine by five lengths under jockey Rey Gutierrez. Four weeks later, Justa Warrior was victorious by one-length in the Ellis Park Debutant as the 5-2 post time favorite. Gutierrez will be back aboard Justa Warrior in the Pocahontas and break from post 11.
The Pocahontas also includes impressive maiden winner Fun and Feisty for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Here is the complete field for the Pocahontas from the rail out (with jockey and trainer): Boss Lady Bailey (Brian Hernandez Jr., Ortiz); Kiss Me On Oconee (Edgar Morales, Tom Amoss); Naughty Gal (Murrill, Lukas); Shoplifter (Rafael Bejarano, Eddie Kenneally); Grand Love (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Outofnothingatall (David Cohen, Ricky Courville); Southlawn (Tyler Gaffalione, Norm Casse); Need Some Money (Francisco Arrieta, Sarah Hamilton); Jet Setting (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox);Fun and Feisty (Julien Leparoux, Kenny McPeek); Justa Warrior (Gutierrez, Ortiz); and Friendlypersuasion (James Graham, Michael McCarthy).
