Cogburn solidified his claim as the nation’s best turf sprinter Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs when the 5-year-old son of Not This Time defeated a top-class field in the $2 million Ainsworth Turf Sprint S. (G2). The victory earned Cogburn an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1).
With wins in the Jaipur S. (G1) and Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2), Cogburn is undefeated in three starts this year. He is the leading earner for Not This Time, who has accounted for nine stakes winners, six of them graded, and progeny earnings of over $9.4 million in 2024.
As he did in the Jaipur, Cogburn took the lead soon after the break and controlled the pace at the southern Kentucky track. Charcoal, his closest pursuer early, gave way after a half-mile and Cogburn drew away to win by 3 ¼-lengths in a near track-record time of 1:07.68.
“What an amazing horse Cogburn is,” winning Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen said. “What a wonderful ownership group. I’m so proud that it’s the first time that he ran since WinStar bought into him, bought his breeding rights. For him to validate the form that he has shown all year long in his turf sprints is very special.”
Clark Brewster and William and Corinne Heiligbrodt’s powerful bay has now earned $2,392,630 and is 9-2-0 in 15 starts.
Cogburn was bred in Kentucky by Bellary Bay Bloodstock. Cogburn’s dam In a Jif won seven of 18 career starts, including a stakes at Turfway Park. In a Jif produced a Not This Time colt in 2023.