Race Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 1:47 PM ET
- Venue: Belmont at the Big A
- Distance: 1 3/8 miles (Turf)
- Purse: $400,000
- Eligible Horses: 4-year-olds & up
The Man o’ War Stakes is a prestigious Grade II turf race that attracts top middle-distance turf specialists. This year’s field features five contenders, each bringing unique strengths and racing backgrounds.
Contenders Overview
1. Anglophile (USA)
- Sire: English Channel
- Dam: Trustmore Lovemore (Kitten’s Joy)
- Trainer: Brian Lynch
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Age: 5
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 3rd in the Elkhorn Stakes (G2) at Keeneland
Anglophile is a consistent turf performer, having placed in multiple graded stakes. His pedigree suggests stamina, with English Channel known for producing strong turf runners. Castellano’s experience in distance turf races could be an advantage.
2. Padiddle (USA)
- Sire: Empire Maker
- Dam: Belle Chaussee
- Trainer: Fernando Abreu
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Age: 5
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 3rd in a Gulfstream Park stakes race
Padiddle has shown steady improvement, finishing in the money in his last three starts. His sire, Empire Maker, is known for producing durable runners, and Flavien Prat’s tactical riding style could help him secure a strong finish.
3. Far Bridge (USA)
- Sire: English Channel
- Dam: Fitpitcher
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Age: 5
- Weight: 124 lbs
- Recent Form: Winner of a Gulfstream Park stakes race
Far Bridge enters as one of the favorites, having won his last race impressively. His pedigree mirrors Anglophile’s, with English Channel providing turf stamina. Rosario’s ability to time his moves well in distance races makes him a strong contender.
4. Capture the Flag (USA)
- Sire: Quality Road
- Dam: War Flag
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Jockey: John Velazquez
- Age: 5
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Recent Form: 8th in a Gulfstream Park stakes race
Capture the Flag has shown flashes of brilliance, but his last race was disappointing. His sire, Quality Road, is known for producing versatile runners, and Velazquez’s experience could help him rebound.
5. Decanted (USA)
- Sire: Kitten’s Joy
- Dam: Kahrumana
- Trainer: Keri Brion
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Age: 5
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 6th in a Kentucky Downs stakes race
Decanted has solid turf credentials, with Kitten’s Joy as his sire. Ortiz Jr. is one of the best turf jockeys in the country, which could give him an edge.
Race Prediction & Strategy
- Far Bridge appears to be the strongest contender based on recent form and pedigree.
- Anglophile and Padiddle could challenge late, given their stamina.
- Capture the Flag needs a bounce-back performance.
- Decanted is a dark horse with Ortiz Jr. aboard.
