Scheduled Post Time for Race 9: 3:27 PM CT (full card first post 1:30 PM CT)
Venue: Fonner Park – 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801
The Tondi Stakes is the traditional feature sprint on opening weekend of the Fonner Park spring meet — a $20,000-added open stakes for 3-year-olds and upward at 6 furlongs on the main track. It honors longtime Nebraska racing supporter and draws a competitive field of local speedsters and shippers.
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $20,000
- Surface: Main Track Dirt
- Field Size: 10 horses (no scratches reported)
- Conditions: Open for 3-year-olds and upward
Expected Weather Conditions & Track Conditions
Early spring in central Nebraska: highs in the mid-50s°F (around 52–57°F at post time), lows overnight in the upper 30s°F. Light winds (5–12 mph from the northwest), mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, and zero chance of precipitation. The dirt track has been dry all week and will race fast. This setup strongly favors early-to-mid pack speed with clean trips — expect a quick pace and horses that can handle firm, speed-favoring dirt.
Full Field Analysis (Post Positions, Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, Recent Form)
All carry scale weights (3YO 121 lbs; older 125 lbs unless noted). Recent form highlighted via Equibase speed figures and key local/prior starts.
PP 1 – Under Oath
- Jockey: Nathan Haar
- Trainer: Stetson Rushton
- Recent Form: Strong local figures; recent speed fig 108. Consistent mid-pack sprinter at Fonner.
Analysis: Rail post is a plus on fast dirt. Haar knows the track; live longshot at 12/1 if he saves ground and gets a clear run.
PP 2 – Malibu S S
- Jockey: Victor Jadhir Bailon
- Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
- Recent Form: Speed fig 93; recent allowance placings. Honest but needs pace help.
Analysis: Tactical early foot suits the distance. Gourneau’s barn is sharp locally; 10/1 offers value for exotics.
PP 3 – Rexford
- Jockey: Jose Angel Medina
- Trainer: Kyle Schindler
- Recent Form: Career-best speed fig 122; multiple recent wins/placings at Fonner. Top local performer.
Analysis: Highest-rated horse in the field. Schindler/Medina combo excels here. The clear 5/2 morning-line favorite — expect him to stalk or press and dominate on fast dirt.
PP 4 – Sprint Out Pass
- Jockey: Alberto Pusac
- Trainer: Kelli Martinez
- Recent Form: Speed fig 115; consistent stakes-level tries locally.
Analysis: Strong recent form and tactical speed. Martinez knows how to place these; solid 6/1 chance to hit the board.
PP 5 – Forced Ranking
- Jockey: Travis Cunningham
- Trainer: Schuyler Condon
- Recent Form: Speed fig 112; improving with recent wins.
Analysis: Condon barn is hot; tactical versatility on fast going. Live at 5/1 — major contender.
PP 6 – Ghost Hero
- Jockey: Ricardo Martinez
- Trainer: Kyle Schindler (second runner)
- Recent Form: Lower speed fig 46; needs big improvement.
Analysis: Schindler has two live shots today, but this one is a longshot at 15/1. Best for deep exotics only.
PP 7 – General Shipman
- Jockey: Alex Birzer
- Trainer: Isai V. Gonzalez
- Recent Form: Speed fig 113; veteran with multiple Fonner wins.
Analysis: Birzer is a Fonner Park legend. Consistent closer; 7/2 second choice and a big threat late.
PP 8 – Paynted Blue
- Jockey: David Cardoso
- Trainer: Mark N. Hibdon
- Recent Form: Strong speed fig 119; recent dominant local sprint wins.
Analysis: High figures and sharp current form. Cardoso gives him every chance; 3/1 co-favorite and the one to beat.
PP 9 – Shifty Gold
- Jockey: Chris Fackler
- Trainer: Schuyler Condon (second runner)
- Recent Form: Speed fig 81; needs pace meltdown.
Analysis: Condon has two; longshot at 15/1. Minor exotic filler.
PP 10 – Shankapotamus
- Jockey: Adrian B. Ramos
- Trainer: Stacey Rushton
- Recent Form: Speed fig 88; game but facing tougher company.
Analysis: Outside post no issue in a sprint; 15/1 longshot with minor upset potential.
Betting Trends & Strategy Notes
- Favorites Edge: High-figure local horses (Rexford, Paynted Blue, General Shipman) dominate recent Tondi Stakes renewals on fast dirt.
- Schindler/Condon Factor: Trainers with multiple entries often sweep the board here.
- Sprint Dynamics: Fast dirt + 6f means early speed and clean trips win; expect honest pace with Rexford and Paynted Blue prominent. Heavy money already on the 5/2 and 3/1 top choices.
- Exotics Play: Exacta/trifecta boxes centered on Rexford (#3), Paynted Blue (#8), and General Shipman (#7), with Forced Ranking (#5) and Sprint Out Pass (#4) underneath.
Final Prediction
This is a high-quality, competitive sprint on perfect fast dirt. Rexford (PP 3) is the standout with the highest speed figures and local dominance — he should wire or stalk to victory. Paynted Blue (PP 8) and General Shipman (PP 7) are the main dangers in what should be a thrilling stretch duel.
