The Roxelana Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This six-furlong dirt sprint for fillies and mares aged four and older offers a $200,000 purse and serves as the highlight of Churchill’s Opening Night card. With a competitive field of eight horses, the race promises speed, strategy, and excitement under the Twin Spires.
Horses and Pedigrees:
- Sandy Bottom
- Pedigree: Sired by Omaha Beach, known for producing versatile and speedy offspring.
- Trainer: Mike McCarthy
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Analysis: Sandy Bottom is the controlling speed in this race. She has shown promise with victories in her first three career starts, including the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita. While she faltered late in the La Brea Stakes (G1) last year, her recent third-place finish in the Carousel Stakes at Oaklawn Park suggests she’s ready to contend.
- Mink’s Palace
- Pedigree: Sired by Palace Malice, a Belmont Stakes winner known for producing durable runners.
- Trainer: Eddie Kenneally
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Analysis: Mink’s Palace has a strong record at Churchill Downs, with five starts yielding three wins and a second-place finish. She returns to her favorite venue after struggling at Oaklawn Park earlier this year.
- Miuccia
- Pedigree: Sired by Mitole, a champion sprinter known for his explosive speed.
- Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
- Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
- Analysis: Miuccia is a Grade 3-placed stakes winner with tactical speed. While she has been inconsistent, her three career wins at this distance make her a contender if she delivers her best performance.
- Harbor Springs
- Pedigree: Sired by Lookin At Lucky, known for producing versatile and talented offspring.
- Trainer: Gregory Foley
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Analysis: Harbor Springs enters the race off a victory in an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds. Her ability to handle pressure and close strongly makes her a dark horse in this field.
- Lady Moscato
- Pedigree: Sired by Quality Road, a top sire known for producing elite runners.
- Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
- Jockey: Nik Juarez
- Analysis: Lady Moscato has struggled in recent starts, including a sixth-place finish in the Matron Stakes. She will need to show significant improvement to contend.
- Tripolina
- Pedigree: Sired by Constitution, a sire known for producing durable and versatile horses.
- Trainer: Chris Hartman
- Jockey: Luan Machado
- Analysis: Tripolina has shown flashes of potential but finished fifth in her last start at Oaklawn Park. She will need a strong effort to compete with the top contenders.
- Girls Weekend
- Pedigree: Sired by World of Trouble, a champion sprinter known for his speed.
- Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
- Jockey: Declan Cannon
- Analysis: Girls Weekend has been consistent in allowance races but faces a step up in class here. Her ability to handle the pressure of stakes competition remains to be seen.
- Non Violence
- Pedigree: Sired by Violence, known for producing precocious and talented runners.
- Trainer: Bret Calhoun
- Jockey: Mitchell Murrill
- Analysis: Non Violence enters the race off a victory in the Spotted Horse Stakes. Her recent form and ability to handle the distance make her a sleeper pick.
Race Analysis:
The Roxelana Stakes features a mix of proven stakes performers and emerging talents. Sandy Bottom’s speed and pedigree make her the favorite, but Mink’s Palace’s affinity for Churchill Downs and Miuccia’s tactical ability add intrigue. Harbor Springs and Non Violence could surprise with strong closing efforts, while the rest of the field will need to step up to contend.
