Free Press Stakes 2025 – Race Overview
- Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
- Track: Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Race: Race 7 – Free Press Stakes
- Distance: 6 furlongs (1,207 meters)
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $50,000
- Post Time: 10:05 PM CT
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds & up
Full Field Preview: Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Judo (Post 1)
- Trainer: Steve Keplin Jr.
- Jockey: Prayven Badrie
- Pedigree: Street Sense × Our Love Tap (by Tapit)
- Form: 6 wins from 28 starts; 5-for-6 at the distance
- Analysis: Speedy gelding with a sharp win over the track last out. Loves this trip and draws the rail. Dangerous if left alone early.
2. Jeff Fa Fa (Post 2)
- Trainer: Wendy Anderson
- Jockey: Damario Bynoe
- Pedigree: Competitive Edge × Alamanda Drive (by Awesome Again)
- Form: 5 wins from 20 starts; 3-for-8 at 6 furlongs
- Analysis: Was a well-beaten favorite behind Sawasdee last time. Needs a rebound effort but has back class and a strong jockey-trainer combo.
3. Upstriker (Post 3)
- Trainer: Steve Keplin Jr.
- Jockey: Sven Balroop
- Pedigree: Upstart × Casanova Striker (by Smart Strike)
- Form: 4 wins, 6 seconds from 28 starts
- Analysis: Consistent gelding who chased Sawasdee home last out. May need a pace meltdown to turn the tables.
4. Pinky Ring Bling (Post 4)
- Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
- Jockey: Neville Stephenson
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling × Formal Flyer (by Early Flyer)
- Form: 5 wins from 30 starts; 2nd by a head in last start
- Analysis: Veteran with tactical speed and a nose for the board. Could be a sneaky exotics play.
5. Big Nick (Post 5)
- Trainer: Murray Duncan
- Jockey: Dario Dalrymple
- Pedigree: Bayern × Appearance (by Unbridled’s Song)
- Form: 6 wins from 36 starts
- Analysis: Faded late in his seasonal debut. Needs a step forward but has back class and a strong closing kick.
6. Exxel (Post 6)
- Trainer: Rick Wise
- Jockey: Antonio Whitehall
- Pedigree: Tale of Ekati × Lemon Drop Belle (by Lemon Drop Kid)
- Form: 4 wins from 24 starts
- Analysis: Finished third behind Sawasdee and Upstriker last out. Reliable type who could hit the board again.
7. Mr. Stang (Post 7)
- Trainer: Carlos Moreno
- Jockey: Dane Dawkins
- Pedigree: Atta Boy Roy × Special Holiday (by Harlan’s Holiday)
- Form: 4 wins from 29 starts
- Analysis: Hasn’t won since 2023 but ran a decent fourth last time. Needs a career-best to contend.
8. Brody’s Streak (Post 8)
- Trainer: Tom Gardipy Jr.
- Jockey: Rachaad Knights
- Pedigree: Brody’s Cause × Part of the Charm (by Tapit)
- Form: 4 wins from 20 starts
- Analysis: Inconsistent but capable on his best day. Faces a tough field and may need a setup.
9. Magic Tiger (Post 9)
- Trainer: Wendy Anderson
- Jockey: Renaldo Cumberbatch
- Pedigree: Smiling Tiger × Funny Gal (by Distorted Humor)
- Form: 5 wins from 30 starts
- Analysis: Ran a solid third in a 7-furlong prep. Cuts back in distance and could surprise with a stalking trip.
10. Sawasdee (Post 10)
- Trainer: Jared Brown
- Jockey: Ronald Ali
- Pedigree: Desert Code × Scary Fast (by Sharp Humor)
- Form: 7 wins from 28 starts
- Analysis: The horse to beat after a dominant 5-furlong stakes win. Lone speed threat with a high cruising gear. Draws wide but has the class and form to overcome it.
Predicted Pace & Race Shape
Sawasdee is the likely pacesetter from the outside, with Judo, Jeff Fa Fa, and Pinky Ring Bling pressing the issue. Expect a fast early tempo, which could set up for closers like Big Nick or Magic Tiger if the speed falters.
Free Press Stakes 2025 – Expert Picks & Prediction
- Win: Sawasdee
- Place: Judo
- Show: Exxel
- Longshot to Watch: Pinky Ring Bling (strong recent form and value odds)
