Pocket Aces Racing LLC picked up a pair of wins on opening day of the 2024 Kentucky Downs meet.
Oscar Season kicked things off in the third race, a maiden special going a mile on the turf, in his career debut. He broke well enough and sat in mid-pack in the early going. He drifted back toward the back of the main group as they neared the sweeping Kentucky Downs turn. He started gradually moving forward and edging toward the outside as they moved through the turn. He was still about five lengths behind the leader when they turned for home. He kicked out in the middle of the track and took off going up the hill to the finish. He forged to the front and pulled away to win by almost three lengths.
Irish Aces capped the day with a thrilling victory in the $500,000 Big Ass Fans Tapit Stakes. He broke very sharp but was content to take back in the early going. He moved up into second behind Nineeleventurbo as they headed down the hill and into the turn. He sat just off the leader throughout the turn. As they turned for home, Nineeleventurbo and Irish Aces began to separate from the pack. The duo slugged it out through the lane. Each time Irish Aces pulled even, Nineeleventurbo found another gear to hold the lead. Irish Aces finally wore him down in the final strides to secure his first stakes win.
For the moment, Pocket Aces Racing LLC is the meet’s leading owner. We hope to have a few more starters before the meet winds down on Septeber 11.
