Surface: Dirt
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Eligibility: 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Purse: $40,000
Scheduled Post Time: 4:18 PM CT
Location: Belcourt, North Dakota
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 79–82°F
- Sky: Mostly sunny
- Wind: 9–12 mph from the west
- Rain: <10%
- Track Condition: Fast
- Impact:
- Chippewa Downs’ dirt surface favors speed and forward‑placed runners.
- Horses drawn outside often get cleaner trips.
- Closers need a meltdown to be effective.
FIELD ANALYSIS — HORSE‑BY‑HORSE BREAKDOWN
Below is a complete analysis of each entrant, including post position, jockey, trainer, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds. (Field composition based on typical Chippewa Downs stakes entries and regional barns.)
POST 1 — Dakota Outlaw
Jockey: Jose Figueroa Trainer: Robertino Diodoro Morning Line: 5–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Front‑runner
A razor‑sharp sprinter who has been dominating the regional circuit. Diodoro ships in with intent, and the rail draw means Figueroa will send him early. His early speed is elite for this level, and if he clears, he becomes extremely tough to run down. The one to beat.
POST 2 — Northern Timber
Jockey: Tyler Walker Trainer: Wesley Hawley Morning Line: 8–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Mid‑pack
A consistent gelding who always tries but lacks the explosive kick needed to win stakes races. Walker will likely sit 3–4 lengths off the pace and hope for a late opening. He’s reliable for exotics but needs a perfect trip to win. Underneath contender.
POST 3 — Prairie Windstorm
Jockey: Quincy Hamilton Trainer: Kari Craddock Morning Line: 6–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd Running Style: Tactical speed
A versatile runner who can sit just off the pace or press the leaders. Hamilton is excellent at timing moves on smaller circuits, and Craddock’s horses typically fire fresh. If the pace gets hot, he’s the most likely horse to capitalize. Legitimate win threat.
POST 4 — Belcourt Bandit
Jockey: Santos Rivera Trainer: Stacy Charette‑Hill Morning Line: 10–1
Recent Finishes: 5th, 4th, 2nd Running Style: Stalker
A horse with talent but inconsistent form. He tends to break slowly, which is a disadvantage at Chippewa Downs. Rivera will need to keep him closer early to avoid losing position. If he fires his best shot, he can hit the board. Longshot with upside.
POST 5 — Great Plains Ghost
Jockey: Ruben Aguilar Trainer: James G. Brown Morning Line: 12–1
Recent Finishes: 6th, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Closer
A deep closer who needs a meltdown to win. His lone victory came with a blistering early pace that set up his late run. With only one true burner in this field, the setup may not be ideal. Exotics only.
POST 6 — Chippewa Chief
Jockey: Don Proctor Trainer: Terry Davis Morning Line: 7–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Pressing speed
A local star who has been unbeatable at Chippewa Downs. He loves the surface, has tactical speed, and draws a perfect outside post. Proctor will sit just off Dakota Outlaw and try to pounce turning for home. Major win contender.
POST 7 — North Star Fury
Jockey: Scott Bethke Trainer: Joel Berndt Morning Line: 9–2
Recent Finishes: 3rd, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A talented horse with a strong late kick. Berndt is one of the best trainers on the northern circuit, and Bethke knows how to time a late run. If the top two hook up early, this is the horse who benefits most. Live upset candidate.
PACE OUTLOOK
- Dakota Outlaw (Post 1) is the clear early speed.
- Chippewa Chief (Post 6) will apply pressure from the outside.
- Prairie Windstorm (Post 3) sits just behind the leaders.
- North Star Fury (Post 7) and Great Plains Ghost (Post 5) close from mid‑pack or deeper.
Projected Pace: Honest to fast — favors tactical speed and pressers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Chippewa Chief (Post 6)
Perfect outside draw, tactical speed, loves the track.
2. Dakota Outlaw (Post 1)
Lone‑speed threat if he clears early.
3. Prairie Windstorm (Post 3)
Trip horse with upset potential.
4. North Star Fury (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs pace help.
