Despite Jeff Ruby win, Endlessly is unlikely for Kentucky Derby

Endlessly made a bold move around the far turn and kicked clear in mid-stretch, dominating his 10 rivals by four lengths in Saturday’s 53rd running of the Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, the marquee race of the Turfway Park racing season.

Now a three-time graded-stakes winner for Amerman Racing, Endlessly was ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli for trainer Michael McCarthy. The 3-year-old colt completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.15.

To go along with his victory, Endlessly earned 100 qualifying points toward Kentucky Derby 2024, although McCarthy said a switch to turf was more likely than a run for the roses. 

The fleet-footed Lucky Jeremy set the early tone Saturday, leading the field into the first turn while completing a quarter-mile in 23.33 seconds. Endlessly, sporting the no. 10 saddle towel, was able to find a tracking position under Rispoli while rating seventh, about five lengths off the lead.

Up the backside, Lucky Jeremy continued to set the fractions with Northern Flame engaging to his outside along with a three-wide move from West Saratoga.

As the field entered the far turn, the three-plied battle continued with Noted engaging in fourth up the rail. Rispoli continued to bide his time while remaining in the clear, still positioned in seventh.

Midway through the turn, Endlessly’s stride began to lengthen as he quickly passed tiring rivals. At the eighth pole, Endlessly engulfed the frontrunners and stormed home under a hand ride by Rispoli.

“I just remained patient with the face pace in front of me,” Rispoli said. “This was his second start on the Tapeta and I think he handled it much better today (than in the El Camino Real Derby). He was able to get into a much better rhythm. In the stretch he was just so powerful and continued to go strongly through the wire.”

While the race was all but over in mid-stretch, there was a battle for second between West Saratoga and an oncoming Seize the Grey to his outside along with late surges from Woodcourt, Triple Espresso and the pace-setting Lucky Jeremy at the rail. At the wire, West Saratoga was able to get his nose down ahead of Seize the Grey with Triple Espresso checking in fourth over Lucky Jeremy.

West Saratoga, who already banked 17 points on the road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard, improved his total to 67. Seize the Grey, Triple Espresso and Lucky Jeremy earned 25, 15 and 10 points, respectively.

This was Endlessly’s fifth victory from just six starts. He will head to McCarthy’s Churchill Downs base early Sunday and is likely to compete next in the $600,000 American Turf (G2) on Kentucky Derby day.

“This was a really solid effort, but I think his best days down the road are on turf,” McCarthy said. “I thought he sat a great trip today being just off a fast pace. He’s a very nice colt and mentally has handled everything in stride. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him, and he’s already very accomplished in his young career.”

Woodcourt finished in sixth followed by Dancing Groom, Northern Flame, Otello and Noted.

Endlessly, sent to post as the 9-5 favorite, rewarded his backers with prices of $4.88, $4.06 and $2.78. West Saratoga, under jockey Jesus Castanon, paid $19.80 and $7.32 with Seize the Grey and Nik Juarez returning $3.16.

With his victory, Endlessly banked $408,000 to boost his career mark to $707,200.

Endlessly was bred in Kentucky by his owners.