Final Gambit Stamps Credentials for the Kentucky Derby with Jeff Ruby Steaks Upset

The Not This Time gelding, trained by Brad Cox, transitioned from a maiden winner to a graded stakes victor and earned 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby with his 15-1 surprise at the Northern Kentucky track.

Juddmonte’s Final Gambit secured a position in the starting gate for the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) by posting a commanding 3½ length victory in the 54th running of the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on Saturday, the most lucrative race in Turfway Park’s history.

Final Gambit, who was trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Turfway’s top jockey, Luan Machado, completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.10, thereby earning 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Final Gambit, a grey son of Not This Time, was the last horse into the first turn of the Jeff Ruby Steaks, with Charlie’s to Blame establishing a rapid opening quarter-mile of :22.97. Final Gambit maintained its position as the 12th and final horse through a half-mile in :47.91 on the backstretch.

Final Gambit began to rise in contention as the field entered the far turn, while Charlie’s to Blame was under duress from California Burrito and Innovator on his outside. Machado maintained Final Gambit’s position in the clear around the turn, despite travelling seven wide around the pacesetters. California Burrito assumed the lead at the eighth pole; however, Final Gambit promptly overtook him and secured an open-length victory.

Flying Mohawk, which was 11th early on, finished in second place after closing late. He was succeeded by Maximum Promise, Poster, Giocoso, Curvino, California Burrito, Innovator, Charlie’s to Blame, Baby Max, He’s Not Joking, and Calling Card.

“I was aware that it would be best to keep (Final Gambit) in the clear around the turn, but I was concerned about the horses on the front end’s wide stride,” Machado stated. “Occasionally, when he is between horses, he does not exert as much effort as when he is in the lead.” He made an impressive late run and closed the lane quickly.

The second victory of his brief career was achieved with Final Gambit, which returned $32.14.

The Juddmonte homebred is a son of Not This Time and Pachinko, a Tapit mare. On February 15, Final Gambit achieved his first victory at Turfway Park.

“He was visually impressive when he broke his maiden here,” stated Tessa Walden, Cox’s local assistant. “We were assured that he would arrive with a strong performance, particularly in light of his performance on the surface this winter.”

Qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby were awarded to the top five finishers of the Jeff Ruby Steaks on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10.

Whit Beckman, the trainer of Flying Mohawk, stated, “When you are from Louisville, there is only one race you are aiming for, and that is the Derby.”