2Sierra Leone

3-1
Morning line odds

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Owner

Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick, Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing, LLC and Brant, Peter M.

Trainer

Chad Brown

Jockey

Tyler Gafflione

Breeder

Debby M. Oxley

Earnings

$871,250

Color

Dark Bay

Birthplace

Kentucky

Foal date

March 31, 2021

Home > Derby Horses > Sierra Leone

Overview

Sale-topping yearling Sierra Leone could give four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown his best chance yet of a first Kentucky Derby triumph.

Bred by Debby Oxley, Sierra Leone was the highest-priced yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale, being knocked down for $2.3 million. He is owned by Coolmore principal racing owners Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Westerberg Racing, along with Peter Brant and Brook Smith.

Sierra Leone’s pedigree has a number of things in common with some other notable 2024 Kentucky Derby candidates. Like Locked (and a number of other stakes winners), he is by exciting young sire Gun Runner out of a Malibu Moon mare. His Grade 1-winning dam Heavenly Love is from a female family also responsible for Japanese prospect Forever Young.

With Gun Runner and Malibu Moon both having solid backgrounds at 1 1/4 miles, there is every chance Sierra Leone has the stamina necessary for the Kentucky Derby, expect low odds.

Sierra Leone becomes 6-1 individual favorite in KDFW Pool 4

2024 Kentucky Derby News and Notes

Ultimate Road to the Kentucky Derby Racing Guide

The Complete Kentucky Derby Guide powered by Brisnet

Track this horse with free TwinSpires Stable Alerts: Add Sierra Leone to your stable now.

Speed Rating

Best: 101 on April 6, 2024

Oaks News April 27, 2024

Kentucky Derby Update for Saturday, April 27, 2024: Sierra Leone Tops Heavy Work Tab of Kentucky Derby Hopefuls at Churchill Downs

Sierra Leone Tops Heavy Work Tab of Kentucky Derby Hopefuls

Tales from the Crib: Sierra Leone

“He’s been a star since he’s been born.” So trainer Chad Brown aptly summed up Sierra Leone in his postrace interview at Keeneland.

Sierra Leone rallies powerfully for Blue Grass

Sierra Leone confirmed himself as one of the favorites for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4, utilizing a dynamic late kick to win Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland going away by 1 1/4 lengths