The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, scheduled for February 22, 2025, at Turfway Park, is a highly anticipated race for three-year-olds. This race, run over one and one-sixteenth miles on the all-weather Tapeta track, boasts a purse of $175,000, with an additional $50,000 from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF)2. The race is a key prep for the Kentucky Derby, offering valuable qualification points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale for the top five finishers.
Horse Analysis
1. Spirit Rags (KY)
- Pedigree: Union Rags – October Bride (by Bernardini)
- Jockey: S. Sanjur
- Trainer: M. Salas
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Spirit Rags has shown consistency at Turfway Park, finishing in the top two in all three starts. However, this will be his first time competing in a stakes race, which will be a tougher challenge.
2. Shan (KY)
- Pedigree: Shancelot – Kada (by Violence)
- Jockey: A. Jimenez
- Trainer: E. Moger, Jr.
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Shan has shown potential but struggled in his first attempt at a mile distance. Improvement will be necessary to compete with stronger contenders.
3. Studlydoright (MD)
- Pedigree: Nyquist – Peach of a Gal (by Curlin)
- Jockey: X. Perez
- Trainer: J. J. Robb
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Studlydoright has shown promise on dirt but will be switching to Tapeta. His breeding suggests he could handle the challenge2.
4. Calling Card (NY)
- Pedigree: Complexity – Graceful Rage (by Tiznow)
- Jockey: G. Corrales
- Trainer: M. J. Maker
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Calling Card has a strong speed rating and has performed well on turf. His adaptability to Tapeta could make him a contender.
5. California Burrito (KY)
- Pedigree: Army Mule – Bluegrass Sunset (by Hard Spun)
- Jockey: I. Moncada
- Trainer: T. Drury, Jr.
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: California Burrito has shown impressive speed but benefited from a slow pace in his last race. He will need to handle a faster tempo to succeed.
6. Banks (KY)
- Pedigree: Outwork – Blip Says Bye (by Fed Biz)
- Jockey: A. Beschizza
- Trainer: J. Sharp
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Banks has shown potential but needs to improve upon his last performance. His ability to rally from midfield could be an advantage.
7. Baby Max (KY)
- Pedigree: Maximus Mischief – Lemon Gal (by Lemon Drop Kid)
- Jockey: A. Cedillo
- Trainer: K. Danner
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Baby Max has been impressive in his recent races, winning the Leonatus Stakes. He is progressing well and has a strong chance to perform well again.
8. King of Ashes (KY)
- Pedigree: Street Sense – Causeforcommotion (by Americain)
- Jockey: D. Cannon
- Trainer: B. P. Walsh
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: King of Ashes has potential but needs to improve upon his career-best speed rating. His strong finish in maiden races suggests he could be a dark horse.
9. First Resort (KY)
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Fair Maiden (by Street Boss)
- Jockey: L. Saez
- Trainer: E. G. Harty
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: First Resort is the most accomplished entrant, having won the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). He has trained well on Tapeta and is a strong contender for victory.
10. Coming in Hot (KY)
- Pedigree: Maclean’s Music – Allianna (by Flat Out)
- Jockey: E. Morales
- Trainer: J. Ennis
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Coming in Hot has shown speed and consistency, winning the Turfway Prevue. He is a strong contender in this race.
11. Brereton’s Baytown (KY)
- Pedigree: Upstart – Kika (by Birdstone)
- Jockey: M. Mendez
- Trainer: P. McEntee
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Brereton’s Baytown has shown potential but will need to step up to compete with the top contenders.
12. Maximum Promise (KY)
- Pedigree: Maximum Security – Paixao (by Scat Daddy)
- Jockey: L. Machado
- Trainer: K. G. McPeek
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Maximum Promise has shown impressive speed in maiden races. His adaptability to Tapeta will be key to his success.
13. Special Caliber (KY)
- Pedigree: Mo Town – Adamas (by Corinthian)
- Jockey: E. A. Roman
- Trainer: M. Douaihy
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Special Caliber has shown potential but will need to improve to compete with stronger contenders.
14. Maitre D (KY)
- Pedigree: Game Winner – My Lady Munnings (by Munnings)
- Jockey: E. A. Roman
- Trainer: D. F. O’Neill
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Analysis: Maitre D has shown potential but will need to step up to compete with the top contenders.
