On Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs, an exciting lineup of eleven talented turf fillies and mares is set to take the track. The Grade 3 Cardinal Stakes, contested over 1 1/8 miles on turf, is the co-featured event of the 12-race program. With a post time of 4:14 p.m. EST and an early first post at 11:30 a.m., racing enthusiasts are in for a treat.

Headlining the Field

Among the contenders, Quality Star, the winner of the Ellis Park Turf Stakes, stands out. Implicated, the winner of the Nassau (G2), and Magical Lute, victorious in the Iowa Distaff this summer, add to the star power. Joining them are several up-and-coming horses like Stir Crazy, which has won five times, Dreaming of Mo, known for its ultra-consistency, and She’s Lookin Lucky, with three victories. These horses are all looking to make their mark in graded-stakes company.

Detailed Horse Profiles

She’s Lookin Lucky, by Lookin At Lucky, is entered and coming off a 3rd-place finish in the CD AOC (11/15/2024-R4). Trainer Matt A. Shirer and jockey Florent Geroux will be in the saddle. Magical Lute, sired by Maclean’s Music, also enters with a 3rd-place finish in the KEE ALW (10/18/2024-R4). Trainer Ian R. Wilkes and jockey Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. will guide it. Duvet Day, from Starspangledbanner, had a 7th-place finish in the 2024 Dowager G3 and is now set for the Cardinal Stakes. Trainer Michael W. McCarthy and jockey Flavien Prat will be in charge.Queen Regent, by Roaring Lion, is another notable entrant with a 3rd-place finish in the 2024 Maple Leaf G3. Trainer Brendan P. Walsh and jockey Frankie Dettori will be on board. Heart Spin, by Hard Spun, also enters after a 7th-place finish in the CD ALW (11/03/2024-R8). Trainer Anna Navarette and jockey Irving Moncada will be aiming for a better result.Implicated, by Connect, comes in after a 10th-place finish in the 2024 First Lady Stakes G1. Trainer Brendan P. Walsh and jockey Tyler Gaffalione will be looking to turn things around. Stir Crazy, by Vancouver, is entered after a 2nd-place finish in the KEE ALW (10/18/2024-R4), with trainer Michael J. Maker and jockey Luis Saez in the mix.Harvey’s Princess, by Cairo Prince, won the IND SOC (10/17/2024-R6) and is now set to compete in the Cardinal Stakes. Trainer Marcelino Salas and jockey John McKee will be at the reins. Adrasteia, by Speightster, also won the CD ALW (11/03/2024-R8) and is ready to take on the challenge. Trainer Fergus Bogle and jockey Albin Jimenez will be leading the way.Dreaming of Mo, by Uncle Mo, won the CD AOC (10/31/2024-R8) and is entered in the Cardinal Stakes. Trainer Dale L. Romans and jockey Corey J. Lanerie will be aiming for another victory. Quality Star, by Animal Kingdom, is coming off a 2nd-place finish in the KEE ALW (10/17/2024-R4) and is ready to shine in the Grade 3 event. Trainer Paulo H. Lobo and jockey Luan Machado will be in the saddle.These horses bring a wealth of talent and potential to the 49th running of the Grade 3 Cardinal Stakes, making it a must-watch event for racing fans.