As race day dwindles, with just 27 days until the 2024 Kentucky Derby, excitement reaches fever pitch for the iconic horse racing spectacle revered as the first leg of the Triple Crown. Sierra Leone, the three-year-old son of Gun Runner, had emerged as a fierce contender after blazing the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans in February, followed by a nail-biting finish in the Remsen Stakes with 55 qualifying points.

With eyes fixed on the Blue Grass Stakes, a $1 million showdown, Sierra Leone faced formidable competition. However, in a thrilling display of speed at the G1 Blue Grass Stakes, Sierra Leone has not only dominated the competition but emerged as the clear favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

Sierra Leone gathers valuable points for Churchill Downs

On April 6th, despite initial challenges at the starting gate, Sierra Leone showcased remarkable resilience and speed at the 2024 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Facing tough competition, including Just A Touch and Dornoch, the three-year-old colt, trained by Chad Brown, surged ahead in a nail-biting finish. Overcoming a hesitant start from the far outside post, Sierra Leone trailed behind early leaders before making a decisive move in the final stretch, winning by 1 1/2 lengths and a final time of 1:50.08.

With jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard, Sierra Leone delivered a perfectly timed performance, securing 100 qualifying points for the prestigious Kentucky Derby and Blue Grass Stakes’s $1,000,000 prize purse. Finishing in second place, Just A Touch put up a strong performance, while Epic Ride put forth a solid effort and came in third. This epic display by Sierra Leone not only solidified him as a favorite for the Kentucky Derby but also captured the hearts of countless horse racing fans.

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Horse Racing fans marvel at the potential winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby

After Sierra Leone’s impressive performance in the Blue Grass Stakes, fans flooded social media platform X with praise for the three-year-old colt, sired by Gun Runner and out of the Malibu Moon mare Heavenly Love. One fan expressed awe, noting how Sierra Leone’s closing speed resembled that of a freight train, making him their top choice.

Another fan described Sierra Leone as a dominant force during the Bluegrass event and his fierce presence on the track.

One more horse racing aficionado marveled at Sierra Leone’s ability to stand apart from other horses and also hailed him as one of the top contenders for the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Amidst the accolades, one fan emphasized Sierra Leone’s exceptional potential, asserting that, despite receiving mixed reactions, the colt possesses the qualities of a serious contender and stands out as the best three-year-old they’ve seen this year.

One fan marveled at how the colt came from behind to make the mark.

With less than a month to go, it’s evident Sierra Leone is one to watch out for as a potential winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

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