Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII)

Jeff Ruby Steaks Race History

In 2021, the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) was elevated to a major qualifier in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, one of eight races offering points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers toward a Kentucky Derby (G1) berth.

The 1 1/8-mile race on Turfway Park’s Tapeta is the only major qualifier held over a synthetic track, and it immediately proved its worth, producing Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike in 2022 and runner-up Two Phil’s in 2023.

Inaugurated in 1972 as the Latonia Spiral S., the race underwent six name changes (including twice going back to Spiral) before becoming the Jeff Ruby Steaks in 2018.

It’s been a Kentucky Derby qualifier since the points system began in 2013, and Turfway installed a synthetic surface in 2015, utilizing a Polytrack surface before switching to Tapeta.

The Jeff Ruby Steaks boasts a proud history, producing its first Kentucky Derby winner in 1992, Lil E. Tee. Animal Kingdom became the second in 2011.

Other notables include Hall of Famer Serena’s Song, who defeated Kentucky Derby runner-up Tejano Run when capturing the 1995 edition. She’s the only filly to win the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Preakness (G1) winner Hansel established the stakes record, speeding nine furlongs in 1:46.60 in 1991.

Preakness winners Summer Squall (1990) and Prairie Bayou (1993) also captured the Jeff Ruby Steaks, as well as Grade 1-winning millionaires and Kentucky Derby third-placers Broad Brush (1986) and Perfect Drift (2002). Flower Alley went on to win the Travers (G1) and finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) after his 2005 victory, and Hard Spun finished second in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic following his 2007 triumph.

Hall of Famer Pat Day leads all jockeys with five wins, and William E. Adams established the trainer mark with seven wins.

TwinSpires Staff/TwinSpires.com