One year after romping as the favorite in the Thanksgiving Classic at Fair Grounds, Jay Em Ess Stable’s Miles Ahead returned to defend his title in less auspicious circumstances.

The first open stakes of the meet, the $225,000 Thanksgiving Classic, has evolved into a graded quality race in recent years, and the 2024 edition of the six-furlong dash is a case in point.

At one stage of Sunday’s $400,000 Matt Winn (G3) at Ellis Park, 1.12-1 favorite Disarm appeared to inherit sire Gun Runner’s distaste for the slop.

Most recently fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Disarm will renew rivalry with three other Run for the Roses participants in Sunday’s $400,000 Matt Winn (G3).