Track: Thistledown
Date: May 9, 2025
Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $75,000
Eligible Horses: Fillies & Mares, 3 years old and up
Field Overview
The J. William Petro Memorial Stakes at Thistledown features a competitive lineup of Ohio-bred fillies and mares, each bringing unique strengths to the race. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising contenders, this stakes event promises an exciting battle on the dirt track.
Horse-by-Horse Breakdown
1. Candlelight Hours
- Pedigree: Dominus – Nava
- Trainer: James R. Jackson
- Jockey: T. D. Houghton
- Recent Form: Won last year’s edition of this race, showing strong late speed.
- Analysis: A proven stakes performer with tactical versatility. If the pace is fast early, she could capitalize late.
2. Market Success
- Pedigree: Giant Oak – Street Success
- Trainer: James R. Jackson
- Jockey: Ricardo Feliciano
- Recent Form: Has been consistent in allowance company but steps up in class here.
- Analysis: Needs to improve to contend with the top-tier runners but has the ability to be competitive.
3. Lucky Penny Rose
- Pedigree: Kentucky Dane – Copper Rose
- Trainer: Ivan Vazquez
- Jockey: Chelsey Keiser
- Recent Form: Placed in her last three races, including a close second in a stakes event.
- Analysis: The most experienced runner in the field. If she gets a good trip, she could be a factor.
4. High Fire
- Pedigree: Bullet Train (GB) – Hi Sugar
- Trainer: Jeffrey A. Radosevich
- Jockey: Jose A. Bracho
- Recent Form: Has shown flashes of talent but struggled in her last outing.
- Analysis: Needs a strong trip and a well-timed ride to contend.
5. R Three Angels
- Pedigree: Kiss the Ghost – Hot Tub Holiday
- Trainer: Jason DaCosta
- Jockey: Rocco Bowen
- Recent Form: Won her last two races, including a sprint victory.
- Analysis: Versatile runner who can handle different distances. If she adapts well to the 1 1/16 miles, she could be a major player.
6. She’s Crafty
- Pedigree: Flat Out – Crafty Tigress
- Trainer: Robert Guciardo
- Jockey: Joam S. Toledo
- Recent Form: Runner-up in last race, finishing behind Candlelight Hours.
- Analysis: Needs to improve to turn the tables on Candlelight Hours but has the ability to be competitive.
7. Windy Lu Who
- Pedigree: Justin Phillip – Windsail
- Trainer: Anthony Farrior
- Jockey: Luis Raul Rivera
- Recent Form: Won her last two races, including a stakes victory.
- Analysis: One of the strongest contenders, showing consistency and tactical speed.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Scenario: Windy Lu Who and R Three Angels are likely to push the early fractions, while Candlelight Hours and Lucky Penny Rose will look to close late.
- Key Contenders: Candlelight Hours and Windy Lu Who appear to be the strongest threats based on recent form.
- Potential Upset: R Three Angels, if she handles the distance well, could surprise the field.
