John Battaglia Memorial Stakes

Note: Date, Track and Qualifying Points are based on the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby schedule

When:  February 26, 2021

Where:  Turfway Park Florence, Kentucky)

Purse: $75,000

Race Distance: 1 1/16 mile (1,709 Meters)

History:  A late addition to the Prep schedule for the 2020/2021 campaign, the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes becomes the second race on the calendar in the Road to the Kentucky Derby to take place at Turfway Park. Named after the former General Manager of the track, the ungraded Stakes race takes place on a PolyTrack. With it being brand new to the prep scene, it doesn't have a big history as part of the run up to the Run for the Roses but in 2019, Somelikeithotbrown won the race before adding the other Turfway Park prep race - the Jeff Ruby Steaks later in the year. He would however go on to become a predominately turf horse following a fourth placed finish at the Blue Grass.

With this prep race taking place on the PolyTrack rather than dirt, it may not attract as many Derby contenders as you may expect. It also takes place on the same day as the Withers at Aqueduct and the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs.

Qualifying Points:  10-4-2-1

Past Winners:

2020 - Invador
2019 - Somelikeithotbrown
2018 - Magicalmeister
2017 - It's Your Nickel
2016 - Surgical Strike
2015 - Royal Son
2014 - Solitary Ranger
2013 - General Election
2012 - State of Play
2011 - Positive Response
2010 - Vow to Wager
2009 - Proceed Bee
2008 - Absolutely Cindy (filly)
2007 - Catman Running
2006 - Laity
2005 - Magna Graduate
2004 - Silver Minister
2003 - Champali
2002 - Request For Parole
2001 - Bonnie Scot
2000 - Nature
1999 - K One King
1998 - Daniel My Brother
1997 - Concerto
1996 - Beefchopper
1995 - Car Dealer
1994 - Mahogany Hall
1993 - Fafa Lemos
1992 - Quiet Enjoyment
1991 - Discover
1990 - Private School
1989 - Revive
1988 - Glory Affair
1987 - Lt. Lao (filly)
1986 - Blanford Park
1985 - Aggie's Best
1984 - Magic Ten
1983 - Runs Like A Prince
1982 - Baraco

Odds & Entries for the next race will appear here once available...