Meet offers Breeders' Cup, Kentucky Derby, Oaks qualifiers

By AP
Published

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Churchill Downs' opening weekend features stakes races awarding points toward the Kentucky Derby and Oaks along with berths in the Breeders' Cup.

The $200,000 Grade 2 Pocahontas for 2-year-old fillies and $150,000 Grade 3 Iroquois for juvenile colts headline four stakes races on Saturday. The winners of both 1 1/16-mile stakes automatically qualify for the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar on Nov. 4 and earn 10 points toward the Derby and Oaks.

Dale Romans meanwhile can surpass Hall of Famer Bill Mott as Churchill's winningest trainer with three horses entered on Friday's 10-race opening card. Romans' 699 career wins are just two behind the 63-year-old Mott, who has held the mark for 31 years.

Racing will occur Thursdays to Sundays through Oct. 1 with a 12:45 p.m. first post most days.