This $75,000 black-type stakes for Ohio-accredited 3-year-olds and up will be contested over 1 1/16 miles (8.5 furlongs) on dirt, and features a deep field of 10 runners, including past stakes winners, local specialists, and rising contenders.
Race Overview: 2025 George Lewis Memorial Stakes at Thistledown
- Race: George Lewis Memorial Stakes (Race 8)
- Track: Thistledown
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (8.5 furlongs)
- Purse: $75,000
- Eligibility: Ohio-accredited 3YO & Up
- Post Time: 4:18 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double
This year’s edition features multiple stakes winners like Villian and Shadowy, as well as track specialists such as Big Truck and Ollie’s Folly. With a mix of early speed and deep closers, this race sets up for a tactical battle on the Thistledown main track.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C V Dynamic | Samuel Bermudez | Agustin Gonzalez | Dynamic Racer – Victory Pool | 15-1 |
| 2 | Little Toy Guns | Jose Bracho | Joseph Poole | Awesome Patriot – Formal Plan | 30-1 |
| 4 | Big Truck | Angel Diaz | Larry Smith | Birdrun – Small Secret | 4-1 |
| 6 | May Mayhem | Erik Barbaran | Jeffrey Radosevich | Mobil – Mendassity | 12-1 |
| 7 | Mister Mobil | Alexander Chavez | Ricardo Bailey | Mobil – Apple Annie | 12-1 |
| 8 | Lust for Life | Luis Rivera | Michael Rone | Cowtown Cat – Love Spun | 5-1 |
| 9 | Oklahoma Joe | Israel Rodriguez | Nestor Rivera | Global Power – Be Mind Phil | 10-1 |
| 10 | Ollie’s Folly | Yan Aviles | Michael Rone | Drill – Sweet Jody | 8-1 |
| 11 | Shadowy | Rocco Bowen | Timothy Hamm | National Flag – Feeling Ethereal | 4-1 |
| 12 | Villian | Jose Ortiz | Timothy Hamm | National Flag – Callisto | 7-2 (Fav) |
Top Contenders to Watch
Villian (Post 12)
- Trainer: Timothy Hamm
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Record: 6 wins, 4 seconds, 3 thirds from 19 starts
- Speed Figure: 94
- Analysis: The morning-line favorite enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes in stakes company. A son of National Flag, Villian has tactical speed and a strong closing kick. He’s 3-for-5 at Thistledown and looms large from the outside draw.
Shadowy (Post 11)
- Trainer: Timothy Hamm
- Jockey: Rocco Bowen
- Record: 6 wins, 3 seconds, 4 thirds from 15 starts
- Speed Figure: 92
- Analysis: Stablemate to Villian, Shadowy won the 2024 Best of Ohio Sprint and has been ultra-consistent. He’s 4-for-6 at Thistledown and could get first run on the leaders.
Big Truck (Post 4)
- Trainer: Larry Smith
- Jockey: Angel Diaz
- Record: 11 wins, 11 seconds, 6 thirds from 41 starts
- Speed Figure: 92
- Analysis: Veteran gelding with over $600K in earnings. Won last out at Thistledown and has a strong record at this distance. Will be forwardly placed and tough to pass.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Ollie’s Folly (Post 10): 5 wins from 19 starts; won last out and has a strong late kick.
- Lust for Life (Post 8): 4 wins from 9 starts; lightly raced and improving.
- C V Dynamic (Post 1): Inside draw and improving form; could sneak into the exotics.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Honest to fast. Big Truck, Shadowy, and Oklahoma Joe may vie for early control.
- Closers: Villian, Lust for Life, and Ollie’s Folly will look to pounce late.
- Key Matchup: Villian vs Shadowy – stablemates with contrasting styles.
Projected Order of Finish
- Villian
- Shadowy
- Big Truck
- Ollie’s Folly
- Lust for Life
