Will the Street Sense and Rags to Riches produce Kentucky Derby and Oaks starters?

Oct 22, 2020 J. Keeler Johnson

Technically, Sunday’s Street Sense S. and Rags to Riches S. at Churchill Downs aren’t official qualifying races for the 2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. But that doesn’t mean future Derby and Oaks contenders won’t emerge from the 1 1/16-mile events.

WinStar Farm has already bred two Kentucky Derby winners (Funny Cide, 2003, and Super Saver, 2010), and it’s possible they could complete a hat trick with Eucharist. A son of Flatter produced by the stakes-winning Street Boss mare Boss Barney’s Babe, Eucharist delivered a sharp performance in his debut at Keeneland, pressing the pace in a 6-furlong sprint before pulling clear to win by a length. Trainer Rodolphe Brisset rarely wins with first-time starters, so you can bet Eucharist will show improvement in his stakes debut. There’s plenty to like about this promising bay gelding.

A relative veteran with five starts under his belt, Super Stock has already proven his worth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, placing third in the Iroquois (G3) and Breeders’ Futurity (G1). Previously a runaway winner of the Texas Thoroughbred Futurity, the Steve Asmussen trainee seems to have hit a form ceiling and needs improvement to vie for victory against graded stakes company. To that end, facing easier competition in the Street Sense might be just what Super Stock needs to gain a confidence-boosting victory and resume his forward progression.

Sold for $850,000 as a yearling, Salty as Can Be is a daughter of elite stallion Into Mischief (sire of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic) out of the Dixie Union mare Theycallmeladyluck. This means Salty as Can Be is a half-sister to Salty, winner of the 2018 La Troienne (G1) at Churchill Downs and a competitor in the 2017 Kentucky Oaks.