The $75,000 Alphabet Soup Handicap returns to Penn National Race Course on Friday, June 27, 2025, showcasing a competitive field of Pennsylvania-bred horses aged 3 and up. Run at 1 1/16 miles on turf, this stakes event honors the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Alphabet Soup and highlights regional turf talent with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
Race Details
Race: Alphabet Soup Handicap (Race 4)
Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Track: Penn National, Grantville, PA
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Purse: $75,000
Post Time: 6:35 PM ET
Full Field Breakdown: Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Trevesso
Sire: Kitten’s Joy Dam: Setubal
Trainer: Cathal A. Lynch Jockey: Jorge Ruiz
Overview: Turf-bred gelding with stamina-rich pedigree. Lightly raced but improving. Could be a pace factor from the rail.
2. Dylan’s Ruby
Sire: Classic Empire Dam: Halo Hollie
Trainer: John C. Servis Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Overview: Versatile 4YO with tactical speed. Strong connections and a solid turf foundation.
3. Movisitor
Sire: Uncle Mo Dam: Ristretto
Trainer: Marya K. Montoya Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez
Overview: Classy pedigree and consistent form. Could be a sleeper if pace collapses late.
4. Fierce and Strong
Sire: Hoppertunity Dam: Doubleclickdamouse
Trainer: Michael W. Salvaggio Jr. Jockey: Tyler Conner
Overview: Durable gelding with strong local form. One of the top contenders with tactical versatility.
5. Bartlett
Sire: Not This Time Dam: Brilliant Sunshine
Trainer: John C. Servis Jockey: Frankie Pennington
Overview: Lightly raced 4YO with upside. Strong connections and improving speed figures.
6. Take the Pledge
Sire: Vino Rosso Dam: Judy In Disguise (GB)
Trainer: Cathal A. Lynch Jockey: Julio A. Hernandez
Overview: Turf-bred and lightly raced. May need a step forward to contend.
7. Sharp Tones
Sire: Tonalist Dam: A Dicey Dame
Trainer: Lynn A. Ashby Jockey: Jose A. Batista
Overview: Consistent gelding with solid turf form. Could be a value play underneath.
8. Saketumi
Sire: Maclean’s Music Dam: Deeliteful Star
Trainer: William Dowling Jockey: Angel R. Rodriguez
Overview: Veteran 8YO with local experience. Faces a tough field but could surprise with a clean trip.
9. Eff Thirty Five (Morning Line Favorite)
Sire: Yoshida (JPN) Dam: Newstouse
Trainer: Brittany T. Russell Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Overview: Class standout with elite turf pedigree and top jockey. Carries high weight (123 lbs) but looms large.
10. Fletcher
Sire: Blofeld Dam: Missdixieactivist
Trainer: James L. Lawrence II Jockey: Jean Gregor Briceno
Overview: Longshot with modest form. Needs a career-best effort to contend.
11. Major Thomas
Sire: Lord Shanakill Dam: Joy to Run
Trainer: T. Bernard Houghton Jockey: Jomar Torres
Overview: Veteran with back class. Could round out exotics if pace collapses.
12. Retweet
Sire: Uptowncharlybrown Dam: Tweet
Trainer: Ruperto A. Perez Jockey: Dexter Haddock
Overview: Late-running type with turf experience. Needs pace and racing luck.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Scenario
Expect Trevesso, Bartlett, and Fierce and Strong to show early speed. Eff Thirty Five, Movisitor, and Retweet will look to close late.
Turf Conditions
Forecast calls for firm turf, favoring tactical speed and horses with proven grass form. Eff Thirty Five and Fierce and Strong are well-suited to these conditions.
Top Picks & Wagering Strategy
Win Contender: Eff Thirty Five – Class edge, top turf pedigree, and Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.
Value Play: Fierce and Strong – Tactical speed and strong local form.
Live Longshot: Sharp Tones – Consistent and underrated; could hit the board at a price.
Suggested Bets
Win/Place: Eff Thirty Five
Exacta Box: Eff Thirty Five / Fierce and Strong / Bartlett
Trifecta Key: Eff Thirty Five over Fierce and Strong, Sharp Tones, Movisitor
