LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sierra Leone bounced back from a tough entry at the gate and a tail race down the backstretch to overtake Just A Touch down the stretch and win the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes by 1 1/ 2 lengths Saturday at Keeneland. to qualify for the 150th Kentucky Derby next month.
The 8-5 favorite, one of three entrants trained by Chad Brown in the 10-horse field, overcame several challenges, starting with his entry at the No. 10 post, far to the outside. Sierra Leone appeared to be in position after holding out, then fell back a second time before finally stabilizing.
He trailed for much of the race as Top Conor, another Brown student, 15-1, and Just A Touch set the pace down the back stretch.
The bay colt then surged around the final turn to catch the leaders and added more space to Just A Touch to gain 100 points in the qualifying standings for the May 4 Derby at Churchill Downs. Epic Ride finished third.
With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, Sierra Leone covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.08 and paid $5.32, $3.28 and $3.06.
Just A Touch paid $4.24 and $3.71 and earned 50 Derby points, while Epic Ride paid $9.12 and collected 25 points.
Encino, one of two players trained by Brad Cox, was eliminated Saturday morning after going 12-1 at 11th place.
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