Pocahontas Stakes

Horse race
Pocahontas Stakes
Grade III race
LocationChurchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated1969
Race typeThoroughbred – Flat racing
WebsiteChurchill Downs
Race information
Distance1 mile
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationTwo-years-old fillies
Weight122lbs with allowances
PurseUS$300,000 (since 2021)
BonusesWin and You're In Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

The Pocahontas Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies over a distance of 1+1⁄16 one mile on the dirt scheduled annually in September at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

History

The race was first held on Thanksgiving Day, 27 November 1969, and was fittingly named for Pocahontas, the daughter of Native-American chief Powhatan, who aided the early American settlers, and the same-named Pocahontas, the 19th-century British-bred thoroughbred mare, who had a great influence on the breed.[1]

The stakes race remained a Thanksgiving Day event until 1982, when it was moved to the early weeks of the Fall Meet.[2]

The event was first classified as a Grade III race in 2005[3] and a Grade II race in 2010.[4] In 2020, the event was downgraded back to Grade III.

The distance of the race originated at 7 furlongs and was run at that distance for the first 13 years, from 1969 to 1981. The distance was changed to one mile beginning in 1982 and continued at that distance through 2012. In 2013, the distance was increased to 1+1⁄16 miles.[2] In 2020 and 2023, the event was reduced back to 1 mile.

The event was split into divisions eight times, with the last occurrence in 1983.[5]

The new scheduling allowed the Pocahontas to become a major prep for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. It is a "Win and You're In" race in the Breeders' Cup Challenge series.[6]

The Pocahontas is the first step on the annual Road to the Kentucky Oaks, a points system to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in the spring of the following year.[7]

Records

Speed record

  • 1+1⁄16 miles: 1:43.78 – Hidden Connection (2021)
  • 1 mile: 1:34.57 – Sara Louise (2008)
  • 7 furlongs: 1:22.40 – Fair Ye Well (1970)

Margins

  • 19+1⁄2 lengths – Serengeti Empress (2018)

Most wins by a jockey

  • 7 – Pat Day (1983 div.1, 1983 div.2, 1984, 1987, 1994, 1995, 2004)

Most wins by a trainer

Most wins by an owner

  • 3 – Wilmott Stables (1991, 1996, 1997)

Winners

Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
2023 V V's Dream Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenneth G. McPeek MJM Racing 1 mile 1:36.45 $300,000 III [8]
2022 Fun and Feisty Julien Leparoux Kenneth G. McPeek Lucky Seven Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.86 $297,536 III [9]
2021 Hidden Connection Reylu Gutierrez W. Bret Calhoun Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.78 $299,700 III [10]
2020 Girl Daddy Joseph Talamo Dale Romans Albaugh Family Stables LLC 1 mile 1:34.94 $200,000 III [11]
2019 Lazy Daisy Abel Cedillo Doug F. O'Neill ERJ Racing, Great Friends Stable & Tom Mansor 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.89 $200,000 II [12]
2018 Serengeti Empress Corey J. Lanerie Thomas M. Amoss Joel Politi 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.47 $200,000 II [13]
2017 Patrona Margarita Brian Hernandez Jr. W. Bret Calhoun Craig D. Upham 1+1⁄16 miles 1:46.35 $200,000 II [14]
2016 Daddys Lil Darling Corey J. Lanerie Kenneth G. McPeek Normandy Farm 1+1⁄16 miles 1:47.19 $200,000 II [15]
2015 Dothraki Queen Corey J. Lanerie Kenneth G. McPeek Magdalena Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.80 $200,000 II [16]
2014 Cristina's Journey Miguel Mena Dale L. Romans GSN Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:46.37 $231,000 II [17]
2013 Untapable Rosie Napravnik Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.38 $168,150 II [18]
2012 Sign Rosie Napravnik Albert Stall Jr. Claiborne Farm & Adele B. Dilschneider 1 mile 1:38.63 $168,150 II [19]
2011 On Fire Baby Joe M. Johnson Gary G. Hartlage Anita Cauley 1 mile 1:37.17 $173,400 II [20]
2010 Dancinginherdreams Julien R. Leparoux John T. Ward Jr. John C. Oxley 1 mile 1:38.59 $165,450 II [21]
2009 Sassy Image Robby Albarado Dale L. Romans Jerry Romans Jr. 1 mile 1:38.62 $115,900 III [22]
2008 Sara Louise Robby Albarado Dale L. Romans Eldon Farm 1 mile 1:34.57 $110,400 III [23]
2007 Pure Clan Julien R. Leparoux Robert E. Holthus Lewis G. Lakin 1 mile 1:38.30 $185,700 III [24]
2006 Change Up Garrett K. Gomez Steven B. Flint Richard, Bertram & Elaine Klein 1 mile 1:35.97 $114,300 III [25]
2005 French Park Mark Guidry Helen Pitts-Blasi Steve Stan Stables 1 mile 1:37.19 $120,600 III [26]
2004 Punch Appeal Pat Day Steven M. Asmussen Heiligbrodt Racing & Burning Day Farm 1 mile 1:37.77 $109,500 Listed [27]
2003 Stellar Jayne Cornelio Velásquez D. Wayne Lukas Spendthrift Farm, Chuck Kidder, Nancy Cole & Nick Strong 1 mile 1:38.97 $112,300 Listed [28]
2002 Belle of Perintown Mark Guidry Eddie Kenneally Ken Mahler & Jamie Schloss 1 mile 1:36.52 $111,100 Listed [29]
2001 Lotta Rhythm Marlon St. Julien Hal R. Wiggins Dolphus Morrison 1 mile 1:37.96 $111,500 Listed [30]
2000 Unbridled Elaine Shane Sellers Dallas Stewart Roger J. Devenport 1 mile 1:34.82 $113,000 Listed [31]
1999 Crown of Crimson Robby Albarado Bob Baffert Golden Eagle Farm 1 mile 1:37.81 $112,600 Listed [32]
1998 The Happy Hopper Willie Martinez Robert E. Holthus Kerry & Linda Ozment 1 mile 1:37.73 $113,300 Listed [33]
1997 Mission Park Calvin H. Borel Peter M. Vestal Willmott Stables 1 mile 1:38.55 $113,600 Listed [34]
1996 Water Street Craig Perret Peter M. Vestal Willmott Stables 1 mile 1:36.90 $112,800 Listed [35]
1995 Birr Pat Day W. Elliott Walden Prestonwood Farm 1 mile 1:36.84 $113,200 Listed [36]
1994 Minister Wife Pat Day D. Wayne Lukas Fares Farm 1 mile 1:38.64 $112,900 Listed [37]
1993 At the Half Shane Sellers Carl Bowman Wayne G. Lyster, III 1 mile 1:38.13 $116,400 Listed [38]
1992 Coni Bug Shane Sellers Anthony J. Granitz Wheeler Farm 1 mile 1:37.85 $84,150 Listed [39]
1991 Fretina James Edward Bruin Peter M. Vestal Peter S. Willmott 1 mile 1:40.25 $85,350 Listed [40]
1990 Middlefork Rapids Roberto M. Gonzalez Terry Knight Dame Construction Company 1 mile 1:38.00 $58,000 [41]
1989 Crowned Mike E. Smith William I. Mott Bohemia Stable 1 mile 1:39.80 $55,400 [42]
1988 § Solid Eight Randy Romero D. Wayne Lukas D. Wayne Lukas & Paternostro 1 mile 1:40.60 $55,800 [43]
1987 Epitome Pat Day Philip M. Hauswald John A. Bell III 1 mile 1:38.20 $53,775 [44]
1986 Bestofbothworlds Patricia Cooksey Irvin Jack Judy Owens 1 mile 1:42.60 $54,345 [45]
1985 Prime Union Darrell Ellis Foster Thomas M. Upton John McGarrah 1 mile 1:38.40 $43,050 [46][1]
1984 Gallant Libby Pat Day Mickey A. Goldfine Arthur I. Appleton 1 mile 1:41.80 $30,650 [47][1]
1983 Geevilla Pat Day William I. Mott J. C. Clements 1 mile 1:40.20 $28,687 Division 1[48]
Flippers Pat Day Steven C. Penrod Claiborne Farm 1 mile 1:39.80 $30,187 Division 2[49][1]
1982 Brindy Brindy Julio C. Espinoza Jack Van Berg Wajima Farm 1 mile 1:38.20 $29,375 Division 1[50]
Weekend Surprise Don Brumfield Del W. Carroll II William S. Farish III & William S. Kilroy 1 mile 1:37.80 $29,750 Division 2[51][1]
1981 Majestic Gold Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Frederick Lehmann 7 furlongs 1:26.80 $31,075 Division 1[52]
Taylor Park James McKnight Stanley M. Rieser Indian Creek Farm 7 furlongs 1:26.40 $31,700 Division 2[53][1]
1980 Kathy T. Larry Melancon Doug Udouj Mrs. Carl Udouj 7 furlongs 1:27.60 $28,800 Division 1[54]
Masters Dream Gerland Gallitano William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm (Robert & Verna Lehmann) 7 furlongs 1:27.40 $30,925 Division 2[55][1]
1979 Dancing Blade Anthony Black Hoss Inman Sunrise Farm & Hoss Inman 7 furlongs 1:26.80 $26,150 [56]
1978 Starclock Richard Depass Charles R. Werstler Mary V. Fisher 7 furlongs 1:25.40 $22,800 Division 1[57]
Safe Earlie Fires Joseph M. Bollero Elizabeth Brisbine 7 furlongs 1:25.60 $23,050 Division 2[58][1]
1977 Plains and Simple Alexander L. Fernandez John T. Ward Jr. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney 7 furlongs 1:25.20 $22,938 † Division 1[59]
Rainy Princess Larry Snyder Frank L. Brothers W. H. Snyder 7 furlongs 1:25.20 $22,938 † Division 2[60][1]
1976 Sweet Alliance Chris McCarron Bud Delp Windfields Farm 7 furlongs 1:25.60 $22,538 † Division 1[61]
Ciao William Gavidia Alice Chandler Mill Ridge Farm 7 furlongs 1:27.00 $22,788 † Division 2[62]
1975 Alvarada Don Brumfield Don Combs Thomas McKinley & Alex Parker 7 furlongs 1:27.60 $24,525 [63]
1974 My Juliet Alan Hill Steve A. Long George Weasel 7 furlongs 1:23.60 $24,525 [64]
1973 Fairway Fable David Whited John J. Greely III William Floyd 7 furlongs 1:26.00 $23,550 † Division 1[65]
§ Shoo Dear Donald Brumfield George T. Poole Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney 7 furlongs 1:27.80 $23,550 † Division 2[66]
1972 Vaguely Familiar German Vasquez Mickey Goldfine Arthur I. Appleton 7 furlongs 1:25.80 $25,100 [67]
1971 Candid Catherine Earl J. Knapp Everett W. King Mrs. Lloyd I. Miller 7 furlongs 1:25.80 $24,125 [68]
1970 Fair Ye Well David Niblick Harvey L. Vanier Dr. Louis F. Aitken 7 furlongs 1:22.40 $22,550 [69]
1969 Artists Proof Doug Richard Del W. Carroll Michael G. Phipps 7 furlongs 1:24.20 $23,825 [70]

Notes:
† Divisions of the event in 1973, 1976 and 1977 were run on different days
§ Ran as part of an entry

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Churchill Downs (2019). "$200,000 Pocahontas (Grade II)" (PDF). KentuckyDerby.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Pocahontas Stakes Profile". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  3. ^ "POCAHONTAS STAKES – MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  4. ^ LaMarra, Tom (3 December 2009). "Arkansas Derby Among Three New Grade I Stakes".
  5. ^ "POCAHONTAS STAKES (2ND. DIV.) – CHURCHILL DOWNS, KY". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  6. ^ "2016 Breeders' Cup Challenge Features 59 Grade/Group 1 Races in 12 Countries". breederscup.com. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  7. ^ "Sam F. Davis Joins 'Road to Kentucky Derby'". Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  8. ^ "2023 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  9. ^ "2022 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 11)". Equibase. 17 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  10. ^ "2021 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  11. ^ "2020 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 10)". Equibase. 3 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  12. ^ "2019 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 14 September 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  13. ^ "2018 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 11)". Equibase. 15 September 2018. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  14. ^ "2017 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 11)". Equibase. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  15. ^ "2016 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 10)". Equibase. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  16. ^ "2015 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 12 September 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  17. ^ "2014 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 10)". Equibase. 6 September 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  18. ^ "2013 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 7 September 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  19. ^ "2012 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  20. ^ "2011 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 10)". Equibase. 30 October 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  21. ^ "2010 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 2 – (race 10)". Equibase. 31 October 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  22. ^ "2009 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 1 November 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  23. ^ "2008 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 1 November 2008. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  24. ^ "2007 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 10)". Equibase. 28 October 2007. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  25. ^ "2006 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 10)". Equibase. 29 October 2006. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  26. ^ "2005 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 5 November 2005. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  27. ^ "2004 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 6 November 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  28. ^ "2003 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 1 November 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  29. ^ "2002 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 2 November 2002. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  30. ^ "2001 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 7)". Equibase. 3 November 2001. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  31. ^ "2000 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 10)". Equibase. 3 November 2000. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  32. ^ "1999 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 7 November 1999. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  33. ^ "1998 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 6 November 1998. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  34. ^ "1997 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 2 November 1997. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  35. ^ "1996 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 3 November 1996. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  36. ^ "1995 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 November 1995. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  37. ^ "1994 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 November 1994. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  38. ^ "1993 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 5)". Equibase. 6 November 1993. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  39. ^ "1992 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 1 November 1992. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  40. ^ "1991 Pocahontas Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 1 November 1991. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  41. ^ Berry, Jack (29 October 1990). "Middlefork Rapids does it with ease, rolling to 4-length win in Pocahontas (1990 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 28 October 1990)". The Courier-Journal. p. 31. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  42. ^ Berry, Jack (30 October 1989). "Crowned captures Churchill's Pocahontas (1989 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 29 October 1989)". The Courier-Journal. p. 31. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  43. ^ Berry, Jack (31 October 1988). "Lukas' fillies finish 1-2 in Pocahontas (1988 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 30 October 1988)". The Courier-Journal. p. 30. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  44. ^ Rees, Jennie (9 November 1987). "Epitome recovers from layoff to nab Pocahontas by 2½ (1987 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 8 November 1987)". The Courier-Journal. p. 13. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  45. ^ Rees, Jennie (27 October 1986). "Bestofbothworlds win for Cooksey (1986 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 26 October 1986)". The Courier-Journal. p. 28. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  46. ^ 1985 Pocahontas Stakes – Race 8: held 27 October 1985
  47. ^ 1984 Pocahontas Stakes – Race 8: held 4 November 1984
  48. ^ Rees, Jennie (13 November 1983). "Day rules again, sweeping pair in Pocahontas (1983 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 6: held 12 November 1983)". The Courier-Journal. p. 11. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  49. ^ 1983 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – Race 8: held 12 November 1983
  50. ^ Sewers, Richard (12 November 1982). "Pocahontas winners share Downs limelight ... (1982 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 6: held 11 November 1982)". The Courier-Journal. p. 15. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  51. ^ 1982 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – Race 8: held 11 November 1982
  52. ^ Sewers, Richard (27 November 1981). "Taylor Park, Majestic Gold beat Day to take Pocahontas (1981 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 7: held 26 November 1981)". The Courier-Journal. p. 15. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  53. ^ 1981 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – Race 8: held 26 November 1981
  54. ^ Koerner, Dave (28 November 1980). "Kathy T., Masters Dream romp in Pocahontas (1980 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 7: held 27 November 1980)". The Courier-Journal. p. 15. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  55. ^ 1980 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – Race 8: held 27 November 1980
  56. ^ Koerner, Dave (23 November 1979). "Dancing Blade waltzes in Pocahontas (1979 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 22 November 1979)". The Courier-Journal. p. 43. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  57. ^ Bolus, Jim (24 November 1978). "No. 4 is lucky as Starclock, Safe win Pocahontas Stakes (1978 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 8: held 23 November 1978)". The Courier-Journal. p. 15. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  58. ^ 1978 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – Race 8: held 23 November 1978
  59. ^ Adair, Bob (25 November 1977). "Plains and Simple wins stakes stylishly (1977 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 8: held 24 November 1977)". The Courier-Journal. p. 42. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  60. ^ 1977 Mint Julep Handicap Division 2 – Race 8: held 25 November 1978
  61. ^ Adair, Bob (26 November 1976). "McCarron 'settles' for Pocahontas aboard Sweet Alliance (1976 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 8: held 25 November 1976)". The Courier-Journal. p. 42. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  62. ^ Adair, Bob (27 November 1976). "...; Ciao Triumphs (1976 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – race 8: held 26 November 1976)". The Courier-Journal. p. 18. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  63. ^ Bolus, Jim (28 November 1975). "Alvarada outduels Confort Zone to win Pocahontas Stakes (1975 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 27 November 1975)". The Courier-Journal. p. 43. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  64. ^ Bolus, Jim (29 November 1974). "Alvarada outduels Confort Zone to win Pocahontas Stakes (1974 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 28 November 1974)". The Courier-Journal. p. 38. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  65. ^ Adair, Bob (23 November 1973). "Fairway Fable wins first division of Pocahontas (1973 Pocahontas Stakes Division 1 – race 8: held 22 November 1973)". The Courier-Journal. p. 42. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  66. ^ Adair, Bob (24 November 1973). "12,242 watch Shoo Dear 'scoot' (1973 Pocahontas Stakes Division 2 – race 8: held 23 November 1973)". The Courier-Journal. p. 17. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  67. ^ Adair, Bob (24 November 1972). "Pocahontas heap-big for Lou! (1972 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 23 November 1972)". The Courier-Journal. p. 38. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  68. ^ Adair, Bob (26 November 1971). "Knapp lauds Pocahontas winner (1971 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 25 November 1971)". The Courier-Journal. p. 39. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  69. ^ Adair, Bob (27 November 1970). "Fair Ye Well romps to 1½-Lengths Win ; Magdabid 2nd in Pocahontas Stakes (1970 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 26 November 1970)". The Courier-Journal. p. 39. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  70. ^ Adair, Bob (28 November 1969). "Artists Proof First in First Pocahontas (1969 Pocahontas Stakes – race 8: held 27 November 1969)". The Courier-Journal. p. 37. Retrieved 23 August 2020.