The Alphabet Soup Handicap at Penn National Race Course is set to feature a competitive field of Pennsylvania-bred horses aged three and up, battling over 1 1/16 miles on turf for a $66,000 purse. Named after Alphabet Soup, the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, this stakes race highlights regional talent and turf specialists.
Race Details
Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Time: 11:21 PM ET
Venue: Penn National Race Course, Grantville, PA
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Purse: $66,000
Field Overview – Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Pump It Up – Jockey: Martin Chuan | Trainer: Cathal Lynch
Pedigree: Sired by Jump Start, known for producing versatile turf runners.
Recent Form: Consistent performer with top-three finishes in his last four starts.
Strengths: Tactical speed and ability to handle firm turf conditions.
2. Nicole’s Will – Jockey: Jorge Ruiz | Trainer: Cathal Lynch
Pedigree: By Weigelia, a sire known for producing strong closers.
Recent Form: Has shown late acceleration in previous races, making him a threat in deep stretch.
Strengths: Strong finishing kick and proven stamina at this distance.
3. Firmantown – Jockey: Angel Cruz | Trainer: Carlos Mancilla
Pedigree: By Astern (AUS), known for speed and endurance.
Recent Form: Has placed in multiple stakes races, showing consistency at this level.
Strengths: Tactical versatility and ability to adapt to different pace scenarios.
4. Thick And Juicy – Jockey: Jomar Torres | Trainer: Michael Salvaggio Jr.
Pedigree: By Hoppertunity, a sire known for producing durable distance runners.
Recent Form: Has struggled in graded stakes company, but excels in restricted stakes races.
Strengths: Experience at Penn National and ability to handle softer turf conditions.
5. Quamash – Jockey: Tyler Conner | Trainer: Erin McClellan
Pedigree: By Point of Entry, a sire known for producing elite turf specialists.
Recent Form: Has placed in multiple stakes races, showing consistency at this level.
Strengths: Strong pedigree for long-distance turf racing.
6. Saffie Junior – Jockey: Jordano Tunon | Trainer: George Albright
Pedigree: By Speightster, known for producing speed-oriented turf runners.
Recent Form: Has struggled in graded stakes company, but excels in restricted stakes races.
Strengths: Tactical speed and ability to handle firm turf conditions.
Race Strategy & Key Matchups
Pace Projection: Expect Pump It Up and Thick And Juicy to set the early pace, while Firmantown and Nicole’s Will will look to close late.
Turf Conditions: The firm turf at Penn National favors speed-oriented runners, giving an edge to Saffie Junior and Pump It Up.
Late Kick: Firmantown and Quamash have the strongest closing ability, making them dangerous in the final furlong.
Opening Odds:
Pump It Up (3-1)
Firmantown (4-1)
Nicole’s Will (5-1)
Thick And Juicy (6-1)
Quamash (7-1)
Saffie Junior (8-1)
Prediction: Firmantown to win, Nicole’s Will to place, Pump It Up to show.
