Expert Predictions for Saturdays Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs

The world of horse racing turns its attention to Churchill Downs this Saturday, where a thrilling lineup of races, underscored by the esteemed Iroquois Stakes, is set to take place. Based on insights from Horse Racing Nation and OffTrackBetting.com, we have detailed breakdowns of the anticipated events, including the Grade 3 Pocahontas and Iroquois Stakes, both spotlighting juvenile thoroughbreds racing for a significant $300,000 prize purse.

Lets delve deeper into the Iroquois Stakes where two-year-old colts will vie for not just the prize but also a coveted spot in the 2023 Breeders Cup Juvenile this November.

Iroquois Stakes – Churchill Downs, Saturday, Sept. 16

Win: Union Roll

Kicking off the race from gate No. 3, Union Roll is a standout pick for the victory. The young colt, trained by the revered Todd Pletcher and ridden by jockey Gerardo Corrales, boasts an impressive resume, including a stellar win at Monmouth Park. As a son of Union Rags, his remarkable closing speed, witnessed when rallying from fifth to first, is expected to be his trump card in this one-mile dirt race. Union Roll enters the race with a promising 5-1 odds on the morning line.

Place: Risk It

Coming in with strong credentials is Risk It, a Gun Runner offspring guided by trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Tyler Gaffalione. With an initial HRN rating of 5.12, he enters the race at 9-5 odds, emanating from gate No. 8. Risk It proved his worth at Saratoga, taking a decisive victory and logging a laudable HRN Speed Figure of 98. All eyes will be on this Kentucky-bred colt as he seeks to impress yet again.

Show: Gettysburg Address

Prepared by trainer Brad Cox and experienced jockey Flavien Prat, Gettysburg Address is a promising contender, displaying a spirited debut at Ellis Park last month. Racing for WinStar Farms, this Kentucky-bred colt holds a morning line odds of 6-1 from gate No. 7. Despite lacking an HRN rating for this race, his previous victory at Ellis Park with 8-1 odds proves that he is a strong contender to secure a top-three finish.

Bonus Insight: The Pocahontas Stakes

Before the Iroquois Stakes, the Pocahontas Stakes will unfold, showcasing two-year-old fillies competing on a mile of dirt for the $300,000 prize purse. Leading the roster of nine entrants is Hot Beach, trained by Brad Lynch and ridden by jockey Declan Cannon. As the winner of the Ellis Park Debutante Stakes, she is favorably placed at gate No. 9, ready to showcase her racing prowess once more.