Expert prediction
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Feb 21)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
Action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for Turfway Park this Saturday, as the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes headlines the card in Kentucky. Find the odds and our picks for the race here.
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes: How to Watch
- When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 @ 9:55 PM ET
- Where: Turfway Park, Kentucky
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Odds
| Horse | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Street Beast | +250 |
| Fulleffort | +300 |
| Small Town | +450 |
| Steel Imperium | +700 |
| Kilo Tango | +750 |
| Attfield | +800 |
| Two Out Hero | +800 |
| Other Selections | +1200 & Bigger |
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/16 Miles |
| Purse | $150,000 |
| Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points | 20-10-6-4-2 |
ALSO SEE: Autotrader 400 Picks, Odds & Preview (Feb 22)
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes: Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | California Burrito | Irving Moncada | Thomas Drury Jr |
| 2024 | Encino | Axel Concepcion | Brad Cox |
| 2023 | Congruent | Sonny Leon | Chad Brown |
| 2022 | Tiz The Bomb | Alex Achard | Kenneth McPeek |
Race Preview
This weekend’s offering on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for Turfway Park, as the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes serves as a major prep ahead of the Jeff Ruby Steaks. The race is most famous for producing 2022 Derby winner, Rich Strike, who finished fourth.
Street Beast will likely be a red-hot favorite for this weekend’s race for trainer Ben Colebrook. The three-year-old has a form advantage over a number of reappearing rivals after landing the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway last time out. It would be hard to foresee defeated horses Great White, Stop The Car, and Fulleffort reversing that form.
Two Out Hero holds very interesting claims after finishing third on the turf in the G1 Summer Stakes last time out. His speed figures are eye-catching, but the synthetic surface will raise questions.
Small Town posted a very impressive speed figure over six furlongs on stable debut last time out, and he is bred to excel over this extended distance. Baytown Dreamer brings graded experience into this race after finishing eleventh in the G3 Southwest Stakes last time. Brad Cox saddles two, with Kilo Tango likely to go under the radar.
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Picks
At the prices, I’d be prepared to take a chance on Aces Honor for trainer Ethan West. The three-year-old has been progressive on the turf, posting improved speed figures on every run. Was last seen landing the Texas Turf Mile in impressive fashion, and he is well worth a shot on this surface.
Free Pick:
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