Sierra Leone, the most expensive horse sold at public auction out of the 346 early Triple Crown contenders, was purchased for $2.3 million at The Saratoga Sale at Fasig-Tipton in 2022. More significantly, he is among the fastest, as demonstrated on February 17 when the colt by Gun Runner won the $400,000 Grade 2 Rising Star Stakes at Fair Grounds to mark an outstanding 3-year-old debut.

With blinkers on, Sierra Leone was able to focus better and come back from ninth place to overtake the leader Track Phantom, winning by half a length. So far, he has triumphed over a field that seemed to be the strongest from top to bottom of any Kentucky Derby prep race held so far in 2024.

Tyler Gaffalione rode the colt to victory after fanning out to be the widest in the stretch. Tyler was able to rally Sierra Leone throughout the stretch while shifting inward to pass Track Phantom before the wire.

Shortly after the race Tyler Gaffalione said “The blinkers really helped him focus today. He broke alertly. He got a comfortable trip up the backside and relaxed for me. When he took the lead in the stretch, I could feel beneath me he is only going to want to go longer after this.”

“He is an incredible horse and Chad Brown and his team have done an incredible job with him. You always keep dreaming of the big races like the Derby, and horses like this help you keep the dream alive.”

Tyler Gaffalione has yet to hit the board in six Kentucky Derby tries. However, he looks to have a great chance this year!