The $350,000 Opening Verse Stakes, a one-mile turf race for four-year-olds and up, is set to take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Churchill Downs as part of the Thurby program. This competitive field of ten horses features a mix of proven turf specialists and emerging contenders, making for an exciting showdown.
Field Overview
1. Piper’s Factor
- Pedigree: Sired by The Factor out of Equineline Reports – Pipers Future.
- Trainer: Katerina Vassilieva.
- Jockey: Kazushi Kimura.
- Morning Line Odds: 20-1.
- Analysis: This colt has shown flashes of potential but will need to step up significantly to contend against this strong field.
2. Skyro
- Pedigree: Sired by Verrazano out of Tiz Ro.
- Trainer: Martin Drexler.
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez.
- Morning Line Odds: 20-1.
- Analysis: A seasoned gelding with experience in turf races, Skyro will rely on his veteran jockey to navigate this competitive field.
3. Tut’s Revenge
- Pedigree: Sired by Eskendereya out of Cat Five’ O.
- Trainer: Michael J. Maker.
- Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez.
- Morning Line Odds: 10-1.
- Analysis: This gelding has a solid record on turf and could be a sleeper pick with his consistent performances.
4. Money Supply
- Pedigree: Sired by Practical Joke out of Evita’s Sister.
- Trainer: Joe Sharp.
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz.
- Morning Line Odds: 12-1.
- Analysis: Money Supply has shown promise in past races and will look to capitalize on his tactical speed.
5. Portofino
- Pedigree: Sired by Speightster out of Love Co.
- Trainer: Joseph F. Orseno.
- Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas.
- Morning Line Odds: 10-1.
- Analysis: Portofino has been consistent in turf races and could surprise with a strong closing kick.
6. Major Dude
- Pedigree: Sired by Bolt d’Oro out of Mary Rita.
- Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher.
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Morning Line Odds: 5/2 (Favorite).
- Analysis: A three-time Grade II winner, Major Dude is the high-weight in the field and boasts a strong record at this distance. His pedigree and connections make him the horse to beat.
7. Mercante
- Pedigree: Sired by Gun Runner out of Caressing.
- Trainer: Brian Knippenberg.
- Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos.
- Morning Line Odds: 4-1.
- Analysis: Mercante is coming off an upset win in the Kentucky Cup Classic Stakes and has the momentum to challenge the favorite.
8. Georgie W
- Pedigree: Sired by Tapiture out of Avie’s Tale.
- Trainer: William Walden.
- Jockey: Luis Saez.
- Morning Line Odds: 20-1.
- Analysis: Georgie W has yet to prove himself against top-tier competition but could benefit from a favorable pace scenario.
9. Brilliant Berti
- Pedigree: Sired by Noble Mission out of Believe in Bertie.
- Trainer: Cherie DeVaux.
- Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr.
- Morning Line Odds: 3-1.
- Analysis: Brilliant Berti is undefeated on Churchill Downs’ turf and excels at the mile distance. His pedigree and track record make him a top contender.
10. Lagynos
- Pedigree: Sired by Kantharos out of Steamy.
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen.
- Jockey: Flavien Prat.
- Morning Line Odds: 5-1.
- Analysis: Lagynos has shown versatility and could be a major player with his tactical speed and strong connections.
Race Dynamics
The pace is expected to be moderate, with Major Dude and Lagynos likely to vie for early positioning. Brilliant Berti and Mercante could benefit from stalking the leaders, while closers like Portofino and Tut’s Revenge may capitalize on a late surge.
