Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles
Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Purse: $150,000
Scheduled Post Time: 4:30 PM ET
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
The Obeah Stakes is Delaware Park’s traditional prep for the Grade II Delaware Handicap, and it routinely attracts high‑quality older mares. This year’s field blends proven graded‑stakes runners with rising Mid‑Atlantic talent.
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 82–85°F
- Sky: Mostly sunny
- Wind: 6–10 mph from the southwest
- Rain: <5%
- Track Condition: Fast
- Impact:
- Delaware’s dirt surface favors tactical speed and pressers at this distance.
- Inside posts often break well, but outside stalkers can sit the perfect trip.
- Closers need a strong pace 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 reflects typical Obeah Stakes entrants and major Mid‑Atlantic barns.)
POST 1 — Delaware Destiny
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez Trainer: Jamie Ness Morning Line: 4–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Front‑runner
A sharp mare in peak form for the Ness barn, which dominates Delaware Park. She breaks well, loves the rail, and has shown the ability to carry her speed around two turns. Rodriguez will send her early and try to control the pace. Major win threat if she gets loose.
POST 2 — Queen of the Mid‑Atlantic
Jockey: Carol Cedeno Trainer: Arnaud Delacour Morning Line: 8–1
Recent Finishes: 3rd, 4th, 2nd Running Style: Mid‑pack
A consistent mare who always runs her race but lacks the explosive kick of the top contenders. Cedeno knows Delaware Park extremely well and will try to keep her within striking range. Exotics contender; fringe win threat.
POST 3 — Regal Empress
Jockey: Flavien Prat Trainer: Chad Brown Morning Line: 5–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Tactical speed
The likely favorite. Brown rarely ships to Delaware unless he means business, and Prat is one of the best tactical riders in the country. This mare has a strong cruising gear and a sharp finishing kick. She’s proven at the distance and enters in top form. The one to beat.
POST 4 — Stidham’s Starlet
Jockey: Feargal Lynch Trainer: Michael Stidham Morning Line: 6–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Pressing speed
A steady mare who always puts in an honest effort. Stidham’s horses are well‑conditioned, and Lynch is excellent at rationing speed. She’ll likely sit just off the leaders and try to grind them down. Legitimate win contender if the pace is moderate.
POST 5 — Pletcher’s Pride
Jockey: Jose Ortiz Trainer: Todd Pletcher Morning Line: 3–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Tactical speed
A beautifully bred mare who has been dominant in her last two starts. Pletcher spots her aggressively here, and Ortiz’s presence signals confidence. She has a strong cruising gear and excellent stamina. Top‑tier win threat.
POST 6 — Brandywine Beauty
Jockey: Angel Suarez Trainer: Jonathan Thomas Morning Line: 12–1
Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Closer
A deep closer who needs a hot pace and a perfect trip. Thomas is excellent with route mares, but this one tends to leave herself too much to do. If the pace collapses, she’s the one who benefits most. Longshot with upside.
POST 7 — Royal Ascension
Jockey: Manuel Franco Trainer: Christophe Clement Morning Line: 7–2
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 4th Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A classy mare with a strong late kick. Clement excels with older fillies and mares, and Franco is a patient, confident rider. She’s proven at the distance and has been training sharply. Legitimate upset candidate.
PACE OUTLOOK
- Delaware Destiny (Post 1) likely sets the early pace.
- Stidham’s Starlet (Post 4) and Pletcher’s Pride (Post 5) sit just behind the leaders.
- Regal Empress (Post 3) stalks in the perfect spot.
- Royal Ascension (Post 7) and Brandywine Beauty (Post 6) close from mid‑pack or deeper.
Projected Pace: Honest — favors tactical speed and mid‑pack stalkers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Regal Empress (Post 3)
Brown + Prat + perfect tactical style = the mare to beat.
2. Pletcher’s Pride (Post 5)
Elite pedigree, strong form, major danger.
3. Royal Ascension (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs a clean trip.
4. Delaware Destiny (Post 1)
Lone‑speed threat if she shakes loose.
