Cogburn, owned by Clark Brewster and Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt, made history by setting a new course record while leading the charge for Not This Time's progeny in the Jaipur Stakes at Saratoga. This race served as a qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in November at Del Mar.
Starting from post eight in a full field, Cogburn encountered a slight bump at the beginning but swiftly surged forward, threading between Coppola and Star of Mystery to claim the lead. Despite being pressed on the turn by the long shot Sosua Summer, Cogburn maintained his momentum, guided expertly by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. Clocking an impressive :43.07 for the half-mile and crossing the finish line in a blistering :59.80, he shattered the previous course record, showcasing his dominance over the 5 1/2-furlong distance.
Trainer Steve Asmussen, a Hall of Famer, was astounded by Cogburn's performance, highlighting his unparalleled speed over this unique distance. Previously a contender on dirt, Cogburn transitioned to the turf with remarkable success, culminating in victories at Lone Star and a triumph over future Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals in the Troy Stakes at Saratoga. Despite a brief hiatus, he returned triumphantly in the TwinSpires Turf Sprint on Derby Day.
Cogburn's journey exemplifies his evolution from a promising dirt runner to a dominant force on the turf, solidifying his status as a top-tier sprinter in American racing.