Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen is on the verge of closing the Churchill Downs fall meet in a remarkable fashion. With 26 horses entered over the final four days, his stable is set to make a significant impact. Red Route One, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, is set to compete in the Grade 2 Clark on Friday, while Tiztastic will take on the Kentucky Jockey Club on Saturday. Asmussen, who has been a consistent leader in the trainer standings throughout the year, currently leads the meet with 15 wins from 103 starts, five victories ahead of Brad Cox.

Churchill Downs Fall Meet - Asmussen's Final Push

Red Route One's Big Day

Red Route One, a 4-year-old colt, will make his appearance in the premier race of the meet on Friday. Owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, he last won the Cornhusker Handicap (G3) in July at Prairie Meadows. Listed at 8-1 on the morning line, he will be ridden by Cristian Torres. Asmussen believes that the further the distance, the better for Red Route One. The field for the Clark is deep and competitive, with top contenders like Hit Show (3-1), Most Wanted (7-2), and Crupi (4-1). The 1 1/8-mile test is set to go to post at 5:48 p.m. EST, following the first post at 1 p.m. Cristian Torres won the Cornhusker last time aboard Red Route One, giving him a good understanding of the horse. Red Route One has been training very nicely and is expected to perform well.

Tiztastic's Kentucky Derby Journey

Tiztastic, a 2-year-old colt, will also have a significant role in the Churchill Downs fall meet. Owned by Winchell and Coolmore partners Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, Tiztastic won on turf this year at Kentucky Downs and finished second in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) on Oct. 27. Now, he will take another shot on the dirt, aiming to continue his path to the Kentucky Derby 2025. Asmussen believes that Tiztastic's performance in the Street Sense was a solid one and that he has earned his chance to run in the Kentucky Jockey Club. He thinks the horse is up to the task and drew extremely well. Jonathan's Way is a fast horse with success at Churchill Downs, but Asmussen is confident in Tiztastic's abilities.

Asmussen's Overall Churchill Downs Success

Asmussen's dominance at Churchill Downs goes beyond this fall meet. Across the spring, September, and fall meets, his horses have made an astonishing 352 starts with 55 wins and more than $6.4 million in purses. His relentless approach has firmly established him as Churchill Downs' leading trainer by both starts and wins in 2024. His stable is well-represented in both the Kentucky Jockey Club and other races, showing his strength and depth as a trainer.