Iroquois Stakes History & Contenders
- Sep 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 1
CHURCHILL DOWNS
September 13, 2025 8f Grade III 300k
Up until 2019, the Iroquois was run at 1-1/16th mile. The distance dropped down to 1 mile in 2020. The majority of the contenders consists of those who ran prior at Ellis Park and Saratoga, with very few players coming in from other tracks.
This race is not one known to produce major Kentucky Derby players, with many not making it to a gate or if they did, made zero noise when they got there.
However, many who lost here went on to stake claim in future gates in the Triple Crown. This list consists of names like Ride on Curlin, Tapiture, Lookin at Lee, Flameaway, Midnight Bourbon, Confidence Game, Seize the Grey, Owen Almighty and Sandman, among others.
In other words, it may not necessarily be the winner of this particular race who should be scrutinized, but rather those who may not have even hit the board here, especially because it is only an 8f contest.
When placing a bet in this race, the most important aspect will be those with an optimum distance of 8f and when looking for future Derby players, best to search through those who may not have even hit the board.
They fared no better for the Breeders Cup Juvenile either.
PREVIOUS WINNERS at the 8f DISTANCE
2024 Jonathan's Way
DP = 1-1-4-0-0 (6) DI = 2.00 CD = 0.50 ANZ = 2.00
Mare Profile = 7-3-6-8-5 Speed = 10 Stamina = 13 Index = 0.96 Triads = 16-17-19
Breeders Cup Juvenile - DelMar: Came in 7th
Kentucky Derby: Did not Run
2023 West Saratoga
DP = 2-3-5-0-0 (10) DI = 3.00 CD = 0.70 ANZ = 3.00
Mare Profile = 8-3-2-9-7 Speed = 11 Stamina = 16 Index = 0.84 Triads = 13-14-18
Breeders Cup Juvenile: Did not Run
Kentucky Derby: Came in 12th
2022 Curly Jack
DP = 4-3-7-0-0 (14) DI = 3.00 CD = 0.79 ANZ = 3.00
Mare Profile = 5-6-5-10-7 Speed = 11 Stamina = 17 Index = 0.72 Triads = 16-21-22
Breeders Cup Juvenile - Keeneland: Came in 5th
Kentucky Derby: Did not Run
2021 Major General
DP = 1-4-4-1-0 (10) DI = 2.33 CD = 0.50 ANZ = 2.33
Mare Profile = 8-7-4-4-5 Speed = 15 Stamina = 9 Index = 1.50 Triads = 19-15-13 (2nd gen Tapit)
Breeders Cup Juvenile: Did not Run
Kentucky Derby: Did not Run
2020 Sittin on Go
DP = 2-0-16-0-0 (18) DI = 1.25 CD = 0.22 ANZ = 2.78
Mare Profile = 6-5-3-4-10 Speed = 11 Stamina = 14 Index = 0.74 Triads = 14-12-17
Breeders Cup Juvenile - Keeneland: Came in 9th
Kentucky Derby: Did not Run
With only 5 winners to consult at the proper distance, historical reference can not be conclusive for this particular prep.
While it is safe to say that the overall conclusion over the past 5 years has produced winners in the 3.00 and under categories - which is the very bottom of the speed spectrum (3.00) and down through to the stamina fields (the 2.00+ categories to 1.25) - there is not enough supportive data to make proper judgment.
In addition, at this early point in the 2 year olds, the mares numbers would generally not even come into play, although all 5 of these winners held a true leaning to stamina through them none-the less. (Major General in 2021 not withstanding, he held Tapit in his 2nd generation. He aligns there as well.)
The addition of the prominent non-chefs through the ANZ index also stays within the 3.00 and under barriers. Unfortunately, while a definitive pattern emerges both top and bottom, it is over half of the normal 10 to 15 samples that is ideal to consult.
Generally speaking and based only on 5 references, the Iroquois Stakes has not catered to speed demons who would necessarily find any favor moving to the Breeders Cup Juvenile. They appear to be built with competing attributes which should project yet again this year at DelMar. They don't go hand in hand. They don't translate. Again, with only 5 references, this is far from a conclusive and confident statement.
2025 CONTENDERS
Post 1 NOTHING PERSONAL Greg Compton Jamie Rodriguez
DP = 4-6-5-1-0 (16) DI = 3.57 CD = 0.81 ANZ = 3.44
Mare Profile = 8-6-4-5-6 Speed = 14 Stamina = 11 Index = 1.24 Triads = 18-15-15
Sire: Violence (270k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥
Configurations are off from the 5 previous winners however running style contradicts the layout. 8f distance is easily attainable with improper build. Highest paid contender on the field at 270k at auction which is a fair depiction of the caliber and quality set here in the Iroquois - there are no Million dollar runners in this race!
Post 2 SOMETIME Mark Simms Luan Machado
DP = 3-7-10-0-0 (20) DI = 3.00 CD = 0.65 ANZ = 3.80
Mare Profile = 7-6-3-4-7 Speed = 13 Stamina = 11 Index = 1.10 Triads = 16-13-14
Sire: Take Charge Indy (27k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥
Returning to dirt where he originally broke his maiden by 10-1/2 lengths. Configurations for this race are only 1/3 of the way on par with only the listed chefs on point.
Post 3 NO MORE CENTS Kenny McPeek Irad Ortiz, Jr.
DP = 1-7-2-0-0 (10) DI = 9.00 CD = 0.90 ANZ = 9.00
Mare Profile = 6-5-5-7-2 Speed = 11 Stamina = 9 Index = 1.38 Triads = 16-17-14
Sire: Goldencents (35K) Iroquois: ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥
Not one item in the chefs, prominent non-chefs or mares are on point. In addition, he lost significant speed and energy late in both of his races, traveling only 5.5 and 6f. All of his crazy inbred speed, both top and bottom, pours out of him as soon as the gates open.
Post 4 SO SPECIAL Kenny McPeek Brian Hernandez
DP = 0-1-1-0-0 (2) DI = 3.00 CD = 0.50 ANZ = 27.00
Mare Profile = 5-6-6-6-7 Speed = 11 Stamina = 13 Index = 0.85 Triads = 17-18-19
Sire: Vekoma (180k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Configurations align with the previous 5 winners. Two races to date and both on turf, first time starter on dirt, hence the 3 stars for the race even with proper configurations. Thats the blindspot but more importantly is the radical jump from the 3.00 chef index all the way up to a 27.00 ANZ figure when adding in the prominent non-chefs. That figure screams dirt which makes this horse very intriguing. The figure itself is off course as it aligns with previous winners, however, it makes for a very curious combination to monitor.
Post 5 SPICE RUNNER Steve Asmussen Jose Ortiz
DP = 0-3-11-0-0 (14) DI = 1.55 CD = 0.21 ANZ = 2.64
Mare Profile = 6-4-5-6-9 Speed = 10 Stamina = 15 Index = 0.72 Triads = 15-15-20
Sire: Gun Runner (250k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥ ♥
Configurations on target with 5 previous winners. Forward running style with hefty stamina and high beyer (89) in last. Workout times are unimpressive but still translated nicely in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes on August 10. Looks very promising here.
Post 6 SHAKE and RATTLE Keith Desormeaux James Raham
DP = 1-1-2-0-0 (4) DI = 3.00 CD = 0.75 ANZ = 5.00
Mare Profile = 4-4-3-10-6 Speed = 8 Stamina = 16 Index = 0.60 Triads = 11-17-19
Sire: Rock Your World (45k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥ ♥
Configurations are good except for ANZ figure, although with only 5 previous to consult, you can't be confident with all aspects of history in this race. The mares offset extremely well and he has barely depicted any noteworthy display of speed to attach to that 5.00 ANZ number. He's a middle of the road type horse with zero problems in the distance department but lacks defensively on the speed side.
Post 7 COMPORT Eddie Kenneally Tyler Gaffalione
DP = 5-5-6-0-0 (16) DI = 4.33 CD = 0.94 ANZ = 4.71
Mare Profile = 12-5-1-5-10 Speed = 17 Stamina = 15 Index = 1.15 Triads = 18-11-16
Sire: Collected (135k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥
Best past performance lines and beyer figures of this group but breeding completely opposite of 5 past winners in all ways. This poses a major conundrum because it shows that he certainly exceeds in the early talent amongst this particular group but layout contradicts what has consistently won over the past 5 years. It's truly not enough history to consult but it is consistent none-the-less. Comport was 2nd to Romeo in the Bashford and he beat Spice Runner in last at 7f. Now we up the distance by an additional furlong where Spice Runner's breeding may just give him the upper-hand. Tough call with Minor History vs. Past Performances. Either way, this horse has zero chance in the Kentucky Derby and that portion would be consistent.
Post 8 VOST William Walden Florent Geroux
DP = 1-5-0-0-0 (6) DI = Inf CD = 1.17 ANZ = Inf
Mare Profile = 7-5-5-11-2 Speed = 12 Stamina = 13 Index = 1.20 Triads = 17-21-18
Sire: Instagrand (not sold via auction) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥
Rear Runner with inferior Chef's line. He is in the same basic boat as Shake and Rattle. Middle of the Road type horse where there really is no reason to go against or to even expect a little something. He's more of a typical non-imposing late runner who has potential to hit the board should the pace dictate.
Post 9 NINE BALL Riley Mott Jaime Torres
DP = 1-0-6-5-0 (12) DI = 0.50 CD = -0.25
Mare Profile = 5-3-6-9-5 Speed = 8 Stamina = 14 Index = 0.76 Triads = 14-18-20
Sire: Code of Honor (20k) Iroquois: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Configurations depict proper layout, but possibly too much stamina for this particular race. He is holding the most stamina on the field and would need a speed demon on the lead to take advantage. Out of all the contenders on the field, this horse would be one to latch onto for the future even with a poor showing here. He fits the mold for one who may not shine here but better suited for the Triple Crown down the road. Should he be competitive here, he may be considered a beast in the making. On a whole, he may just be one along the lines of previous contenders of this race who eventually made their mark later.
Post 10 MAXIMUS PRIME Anthony Mitchell Luis Saez
DP = 1-2-1-0-0 (4) DI = 7.00 CD = 1.00
Mare Profile = 5-7-5-8-4 Speed = 12 Stamina = 12 Index = 1.05 Triads = 17-20-17
Sire: Maximus Mischief (50k) Iroquios: ♥ Kentucky Derby: ♥ ♥ ♥
This may be an improper race placement and his configurations go against a win here. He has enough from his mares to easily make the 8f distance, its just a matter of holding steady when the rear runners come knocking.
The 5 Star rated colt for this race gets the job done. We are off to a good start.
I will reach the age of 77 on 9/24, and just for the fun of it all, I signed on for a 2K charitable run with my grandsons ages 6 & 10 on next Saturday. I am not counting on any early or late closing speed mind you, lol.
As for the Iroquois to be run later today, also just for the fun of it all, I am also wagering a fifty cent triple box after perusing Lisa's latest verse. So "Riders Up" is the call with Spice Runner, Nine Ball, and the "intriquing" Special First. Safe journey to all and thank you for the numbers Lisa.
Not sure what to think re this race. I know that I've liked horses who won this race and they pretty much never panned out particularly well on the trail or in the TC series, as you've said. I think I might prefer to lay back and keep an eye on So Special and Nine Ball going forward. If either of them perform well in this, that will be exciting.