By Jarrod Horak
I’m breaking down the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park, a key Kentucky Derby prep worth 100-50-25-15-10 points to the top five finishers. This $777,000 race is contested at 1 1/8 miles over the all-weather surface, and it’s a fascinating mix of proven synthetic runners, turf shippers, and developing three-year-olds trying to peak at the right time.
Using the past performances from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve evaluated each runner’s form, speed figures, and projected race shape to identify the top contenders.
Field Overview & Key Handicapping Factors
This race presents two major handicapping questions:
- Surface transition: Several runners are switching from turf or dirt to synthetic.
- Distance stretch: The move to 1 1/8 miles is a hurdle for multiple contenders.
With a likely honest pace scenario, I’m focusing on runners who can finish strongly while already proving themselves on this surface or at similar distances.
Top Contenders
#1 Turf Star – Sleeper with Upside
Turf Star is a bit under the radar but has back class, including a 135 rating in a Grade 2 effort. Adding blinkers for a trainer who hits at 30% with the move makes him intriguing.
He could save ground and work out a perfect trip behind the leaders.
#2 Fulleffort – The Most Reliable Closer
Fulleffort enters this race with one of the most consistent and improving Final Time Rating patterns in the field. His progression (131 → 131 → 134) signals a horse peaking at the right time.
He was narrowly beaten in the John Battaglia Memorial, closing strongly and just missing by a neck. That effort showed two key things:
- He handles the Turfway synthetic surface
- He’s crying out for more distance
With an expected solid pace up front, Fulleffort might get the setup he needs to deliver a winning late run.
#5 Black Hornet – Rapid Improver
Black Hornet has taken a major step forward since moving to turf, jumping from a 117 to a 149 rating last time out in the Black Gold Stakes.
While that figure may be slightly inflated, the visual impression was strong:
- Tracked pace comfortably
- Finished with authority
The big question is whether that improvement translates to synthetic. If it does, he’s a serious contender.
#6 Medici – The Speed of the Speed
Medici is the likely pacesetter and could prove dangerous if left alone early. He earned a strong 158 Pace Rating last out while setting the tempo and just missing by a nose in the Pasadena Stakes.
Key strengths:
- Elite early speed (158 pace rating last out)
- Competitive stakes form
Concerns:
- Unproven at 1 1/8 miles
- First try on synthetic
If he handles both, he could take this field a long way.
#11 Stark Contrast – Proven Class Tries New Surface
The morning-line favorite brings the strongest overall resume:
- Grade 3 winner
- Runner-up in a Grade 1
- Multiple 140-level ratings
However, all of that success came on turf. If he transfers that form to synthetic, he’s a major threat—but that’s not guaranteed.
Jeff Ruby Steaks Video