The Ross McLeod Stakes returns to Hastings Racecourse, featuring a competitive field of three-year-old colts and geldings in a six-and-a-half furlong sprint. With a $40,000 purse, this stakes race highlights emerging talent, showcasing top trainers, jockeys, and pedigrees in British Columbia’s premier racing venue.
Race Details
Event: Ross McLeod Stakes
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4:41 PM PT
Venue: Hastings Racecourse, Vancouver, BC
Surface: Dirt (6.5 furlongs)
Purse: $40,000
TV Broadcast: TVG, Equibase Live Stream
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Accidental Genius (Trainer: K. Kozak | Jockey: R. Balgobin)
Pedigree: I’ll Have Another – Radish (Square Eddie)
Career Record: 3-1-1-0
Recent Performance: Allowance winner at Hastings
Strengths: Speedy front-runner with strong local experience
Concerns: Facing tougher competition in stakes debut
2. Makena’s Joy (Trainer: D. K. Condilenios | Jockey: S. Morales)
Pedigree: Lent – Ready Recall (More Than Ready)
Career Record: 3-1-0-1
Recent Performance: Third in Hastings Allowance Race
Strengths: Improving form with tactical speed
Concerns: Needs a strong break from the gate
3. Creative Union (Trainer: P. Leaney | Jockey: K. Khelawan)
Pedigree: Unified – Let’s Be Creative (Creative Cause)
Career Record: 4-2-1-0
Recent Performance: Winner of Hastings Maiden Special Weight
Strengths: Versatile runner with stakes experience
Concerns: Adjusting to longer sprint distance
4. Autobahn Ace (Trainer: C. MacPherson | Jockey: A. Perez)
Pedigree: Bakken – Chasing Cars (Pioneerof the Nile)
Career Record: 3-1-1-0
Recent Performance: Second in Hastings Allowance Race
Strengths: Strong pedigree for sprint racing
Concerns: Limited experience at six-and-a-half furlongs
5. Rondelito (Trainer: S. Henson | Jockey: K. Santo)
Pedigree: Lent – Vandelita (Street Sense)
Career Record: 3-1-0-1
Recent Performance: Fourth in Hastings Allowance Race
Strengths: Powerful stride and late acceleration
Concerns: Struggles with early speed
6. Mount Doom (Trainer: S. Henson | Jockey: A. A. Reyes)
Pedigree: Bakken – A Song for Arbonne (Arch)
Career Record: 3-2-1-0
Recent Performance: Winner of Hastings Allowance Race
Strengths: Speedy front-runner with dirt adaptability
Concerns: Adjusting to stakes-level competition
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Projection: Accidental Genius and Creative Union likely to press early, while Autobahn Ace and Mount Doom close late.
Key Matchups: Accidental Genius vs. Creative Union in the stretch battle.
Dark Horse: Autobahn Ace could surprise with a breakout performance.
