The Gene Fleming Breeders’ Derby is set to take place at Turf Paradise on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring a competitive field of seven three-year-old runners. This stakes race covers a distance of 1 mile and 110 yards on the dirt, with a $40,000 purse on the line. The race promises a thrilling contest between emerging talents, with several contenders showcasing strong form and potential.
Race Details
- Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Time: 11:35 PM ET
- Venue: Turf Paradise, Phoenix, Arizona
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1 mile and 110 yards
- Purse: $40,000
Field Overview
1. Rockntheclubhouse (USA)
- Trainer: Jack McCartney
- Jockey: Kiaman McGregor
- Form: 8-523
- Pedigree: Sired by Clubhouse Ride, out of Hard Way Ten (Rock Hard Ten).
- Recent Performance: Placed third in a maiden race at Turf Paradise over 5 furlongs last month, finishing 11 lengths behind the winner.
- Analysis: While showing some improvement, Rockntheclubhouse will need to step up significantly to contend in this field.
2. Daddy Gene (USA)
- Trainer: Kasey Kemper
- Jockey: Manuel Americano
- Form: 6
- Pedigree: By Vronsky, out of Knowalot (Heatseeker).
- Recent Performance: Finished last in his debut at Turf Paradise over 6 furlongs, trailing by over 20 lengths.
- Analysis: With limited experience and a lackluster debut, Daddy Gene faces an uphill battle in this stakes race.
3. Manzoni (USA)
- Trainer: Dan McFarlane
- Jockey: Karlo Lopez
- Form: 136-446
- Pedigree: Sired by a proven dirt performer, Manzoni has shown flashes of ability.
- Recent Performance: Finished fourth in his last outing at Turf Paradise over 6 furlongs, 2 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
- Analysis: A capable runner with potential, but consistency will be key for Manzoni to challenge the top contenders.
4. Time To Fly (USA)
- Trainer: Kevin Eikleberry
- Jockey: Daniel Vergara
- Form: 312-211
- Pedigree: By a sire known for producing sprinters, Time To Fly has excelled at shorter distances.
- Recent Performance: Won his last two starts at Turf Paradise, including a 6-furlong stakes race where he finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of the runner-up.
- Analysis: The likely favorite, Time To Fly enters the race in top form and has the class to handle the step up in distance.
5. Sand Paynter (USA)
- Trainer: Dan McFarlane
- Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez
- Form: 3662
- Pedigree: By Paynter, out of a mare with stamina influences.
- Recent Performance: Finished second in a maiden race at Turf Paradise over 1 mile, just half a length behind the winner.
- Analysis: A promising runner with proven stamina, Sand Paynter could be a serious contender if he continues to improve.
6. Community Service (USA)
- Trainer: Rafael Barraza
- Jockey: Kevin Krigger
- Form: 51D
- Pedigree: By a sire known for producing versatile runners.
- Recent Performance: Won a 5-furlong maiden race at Turf Paradise but was disqualified and placed fifth in his last outing.
- Analysis: A talented but inconsistent runner, Community Service will need to stay focused to make an impact.
7. Jacked Up (USA)
- Trainer: R Owens
- Jockey: Glenn Corbett
- Form: 21
- Pedigree: By a sire with a strong dirt pedigree, Jacked Up has shown early promise.
- Recent Performance: Won his last outing at Turf Paradise over 6 furlongs, finishing 2 lengths ahead of the runner-up.
- Analysis: A progressive runner with potential, Jacked Up could be a major player if he handles the step up in distance.
