The Grade 2, $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes takes center stage on Saturday at Churchill Downs. A field of 10 promising horses has gathered for this early Kentucky Derby 2025 prep, with Jonathan’s Way leading the pack as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Post time for this highly anticipated race, which is the 11th of 12 on the program, is 5:48 p.m. EDT, and it will be live on FanDuel TV.

Best Speed Figures and Pace Analysis

There is expected to be a fast early pace in the Kentucky Jockey Club, with Redacted, First Resort, and Clock Tower vying for the lead. The pace projector, courtesy of TimeformUS, gives us an insight into the potential race dynamics. Looking at the best speed figures, we see a diverse range of performances among the contenders. He’s Not Joking has an 84 Beyer speed figure, while Jonathan’s Way stands out with an impressive 89. Tiztastic follows closely with a 79, and the other horses also bring their own strengths to the track.In terms of pace, these early runners are likely to set the tone for the rest of the race. Redacted, with its 57 TimeformUS figure, may try to make an early impact. First Resort, having a 6.17 rating, and Clock Tower with a 5.45 rating, are also in the mix. This early battle for pace could have a significant impact on the outcome of the race.

Horse Profiles and Trainers/Jockeys

Let's take a closer look at the horses and their connections. He’s Not Joking, sired by Practical Joke, is trained by Josie Carroll and will be ridden by Florent Geroux. After a first-place finish in the 2024 Grey Stakes G3, it now aims for the Kentucky Jockey Club G2. Jonathan’s Way, sired by Vekoma and trained by Philip A. Bauer with Joel Rosario in the saddle, comes off a 7th-place finish in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile G1 and is looking to bounce back.Tiztastic, sired by Tiz the Law and trained by Steven M. Asmussen with Cristian A. Torres aboard, has shown promise with a 2nd-place finish in the 2024 Street Sense G3. Dapper Moon, sired by Malibu Moon and trained by Dallas Stewart with Ricardo Santana, Jr. on board, finished 4th in the 2024 Street Sense G3 and is now gunning for the Kentucky Jockey Club G2.Filoso, sired by City of Light and trained by Chad Summers with John R. Velazquez, came in 3rd in the 2024 Breeders’ Futurity G1 and is ready to test its mettle in the Kentucky Jockey Club G2. Clock Tower, sired by Not This Time and trained by Wesley A. Ward with Gerardo Corrales riding, also has a 3rd-place finish in the 2024 Bourbon G2 under its belt and is aiming for a better result.Sonic Skidaddle, sired by City of Light and trained by Brendan P. Walsh with Tyler Gaffalione, won the CD MSW on 11/1/24-R3 and is now set to compete in the Kentucky Jockey Club G2. First Resort, sired by Uncle Mo and trained by Eoin G. Harty with Luis Saez in the irons, finished 4th in the 2024 Summer Stakes G1 and is looking to improve in the upcoming race.Render Judgment, sired by Blame and trained by Kenneth G. McPeek with Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. on board, won the CD MSW on 10/27/2024-R11 and is ready to take on the challenge of the Kentucky Jockey Club G2. Redacted, sired by Honor Code and trained by Dallas Stewart with Edgar Morales, came in 2nd in the CD MSW on 11/14/24-R5 and is aiming for a top finish.

HRN Picks and Analysis

This week's Super Screener is high on the chances of Formidable Man in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar this Saturday. "He won the Del Mar Derby at this course and distance and is 3-for-3 overall on Del Mar turf," Super Screener creator Mike Shutty says. "He submitted a top performance in the Oceanside Stakes off a break similar to what he has coming into this. He owns an abundance of early pace but can be reserved in his rally, and that is a lethal combination."Ed DeRosa's Kentucky Jockey Club fair odds is looking at a trio of horses to try and beat Jonathan’s Way, including First Resort. Laurie Ross & Ashley Tamulonis went head-to-head handicapping the Golden Rod Stakes, the other two-year-old route stake on the Churchill Saturday program. They have trouble seeing past the top three betting choices, but could not reach a consensus on 4-5 morning-line favorite Good Cheer.TV analyst Kaitlin Free joined the Ron Flatter Racing Pod to discuss the weekend stakes at Churchill as well as the upcoming Turfway Park meeting.