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.

Reigning Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Aloha West returned to his winning ways in Saturday’s Kelly’s Landing S. at Churchill Downs.

Victor Espinoza trekked to Gulfstream Park to ride California shipper Ce Ce in Saturday’s $350,000 Princess Rooney S. (G2), and also got a late pick-up mount aboard Miles Ahead in the $200,000 Smile Sprint S. (G3).