Churchill Downs Stakes Advance: Last Leaf, Dazzing Blue Top Field of 10 for Opening Night Roxelana

Apr 23, 2024

Monarch Stables’ Last Leaf and Juddmonte’s Dazzling Blue headline a field of 10 fillies and mares entered Tuesday for the 14th running of the $200,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes to highlight Saturday’s opening night of the 44-day Spring Meet at Churchill Downs.

The Roxelana will go as the ninth race on the 10-race program that begins at 6 p.m. (all times Eastern). Post time for the Roxelana is 10:46 p.m.

The meet that runs through June 30 will be highlighted by the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (GI) presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) on May 4 and the 150th running of the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) on May 3.

Trained by Eddie Kenneally, Last Leaf was runner-up in the Roxelana last year. In her most recent start, Last Leaf finished second in the Barbara Fritchie (GIII) at Laurel on Feb. 17. Luis Saez has the mount from post 2.

Dazzling Blue, three times graded stakes-placed in 2023, will be making her 2024 debut for trainer Brad Cox. A two-time winner at Churchill Downs, Dazzling Blue will be ridden by Florent Geroux from post 6.

The field for the Roxelana from the rail out with riders: Happy Am I (John Velazquez), Last Leaf (Saez), Speedy Traveler (Jaime Torres), Positano Sunset (Julien Leparoux), Zeitlos (Joel Rosario), Dazzling Blue (Geroux), Backyard Money (Martin Garcia), Condensation (Jose Ortiz), Socially Selective (Junior Alvarado) and Current Climate (Tyler Gaffalione).

 

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The saddling paddock and the stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility and Race and Sports Book. www.ChurchillDowns.com.

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