Iroquois Stakes (Churchill Downs) Iroquois Stakes (Churchill Downs) The Iroquois Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race which is the first graded stakes race for Thoroughbred horses on opening day at the Churchill Downs Fall Meet. This first day every fall is devoted entirely to two-year-old racing. The race is a Road to the Kentucky Derby Prep Season qualifying race. The winner receives 10 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby. Prior to 2013 the race was run over at one mile on the dirt track, and open to juveniles only. The Grade III Iroquois currently offers a purse of $150,000. Since 2013, the
Blame (horse) a 3-year-old Blame colt, also won a stakes race in March, the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes held at Gulfstream Park. Maraud also won the Grade 2 American Turf Stakes in May at Churchill Downs. Blamed, a 3-year-old Blame filly, has five wins and a second in six lifetime starts, including three wins in 2018 at Sunland Park. Beyond Blame, a 3-year-old filly, won the Grade 3 Regret Stakes in June at Churchill Downs and the $200,000 Indiana Grand Stakes in September. Miss Kentucky, a 4-year-old filly, won the Grade 3 Winning Colors Stakes in May at Churchill Downs. Senga,