The $150,000 Penn Oaks returns to Penn National Race Course on Friday, June 27, 2025, as a marquee turf event for 3-year-old fillies. Run at one mile on the turf, this stakes race has historically served as a launching pad for elite turf fillies aiming for graded company later in the season. The 2025 edition features a deep and diverse field of 3-year-old turf specialists, blending proven stakes performers with rising stars.
Race Details
Race: Penn Oaks (Race 5)
Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Track: Penn National, Grantville, PA
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 Mile
Purse: $150,000
Post Time: 7:10 PM ET
Full Field Breakdown: Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Accent (8-1)
Sire: Pinatubo (IRE) Trainer: Chad C. Brown Jockey: Flavien Prat
Overview: European-bred turf pedigree with early speed. Won a Tampa Bay maiden impressively. Chad Brown and Prat are a lethal turf combo.
2. Pure Majestic (50-1)
Sire: Tapit Trainer: John J. Robb Jockey: Tyler Conner
Overview: Longshot with tactical speed. Struggled in the Hilltop Stakes but could improve with a clean trip.
3. Love You Anyway (7-2)
Sire: War Front Trainer: Christophe Clement Jockey: Joel Rosario
Overview: Stakes-placed filly with a strong turf foundation. Finished second in the Memories of Silver Stakes. Dangerous with Rosario aboard.
4. Reining Flowers (8-1)
Sire: English Channel Trainer: Arnaud Delacour Jockey: Trevor McCarthy
Overview: Turf-bred filly with stamina. Could be a pace factor or sit just off the leaders. Live longshot.
5. Bessie Abott (8-1)
Sire: Kuroshio (AUS) Trainer: Mark E. Casse Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Overview: Closed strongly to finish second in the Wonder Again Stakes. Late runner with upside.
6. Midway Memories (6-1)
Sire: Cairo Prince Trainer: Chad C. Brown Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Overview: Won an Aqueduct maiden with a strong closing kick. Brown/Ortiz combo is elite. Major player.
7. Candy Quest (5-1)
Sire: Connect Trainer: Mark E. Casse Jockey: Javier Castellano
Overview: Fourth in the Memories of Silver Stakes. Tactical filly with a strong turn of foot. Castellano fits well.
8. Love and Poetry (6-1)
Sire: Kitten’s Joy Trainer: Graham Motion Jockey: Luis Saez
Overview: Classic turf pedigree. Motion-trained fillies always fire in these spots. Could sit mid-pack and pounce.
9. Laurelin (3-1, Morning Line Favorite)
Sire: Lope de Vega (IRE) Trainer: Brendan Walsh Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Overview: European-bred filly with a powerful late kick. Won a Keeneland allowance stylishly. Logical favorite with top connections.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Scenario
Expect Accent, Reining Flowers, and Candy Quest to show early speed. Laurelin, Love You Anyway, and Bessie Abott will look to close late. The pace should be honest, setting up well for off-the-pace runners.
Turf Conditions
Forecast calls for firm turf, favoring fillies with tactical speed and proven grass form. Horses like Laurelin, Love and Poetry, and Midway Memories are well-suited to these conditions.
Top Picks & Wagering Strategy
Win Contender: Laurelin – Proven class, elite turf pedigree, and top connections.
Value Play: Love and Poetry – Strong pedigree and trainer; could offer value at 6-1.
Live Longshot: Reining Flowers – Could steal it on the front end if left alone.
Suggested Bets
Win/Place: Laurelin
Exacta Box: Laurelin / Love and Poetry / Midway Memories
Trifecta Key: Laurelin over Love You Anyway, Bessie Abott, Candy Quest
