Ashley T. Cole Stakes 2025 – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Belmont at the Big A
Race: Race 3
Distance: 6 Furlongs (Outer Turf)
Purse: $125,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds & Up, New York-breds
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Twenty Six Black
Pedigree: War Dancer – Brazo de Oro
Trainer: Horacio De Paz
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Form: 21214-4
Analysis: A consistent turf sprinter with tactical speed. His sire, War Dancer, is known for producing durable turf runners. Expect him to press the pace from the inside draw.
2. Run Curtis Run
Pedigree: Summer Front – My Magic Moment
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Form: 4416-33
Analysis: Veteran turf specialist with a strong late kick. Castellano’s finesse could be key in a tightly bunched field.
3. Bold Journey
Pedigree: Hard Spun – Polly Freeze
Trainer: William I. Mott
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Form: 0-35429
Analysis: Lightly raced this season but has back class. Hard Spun offspring often excel on turf, though recent form is spotty.
4. Locke and Key
Pedigree: Mr. Z – U R Key
Trainer: James T. Ryerson
Jockey: Lane Luzzi
Form: 13-1434
Analysis: Versatile gelding with solid turf credentials. Could be a value play if pace collapses.
5. Senbei
Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) – Sweet Aloha
Trainer: Miguel Clement
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Form: 13180-5
Analysis: Speedy front-runner with graded stakes experience. Candy Ride progeny are known for brilliance over shorter turf distances.
6. Factually Correct (Main Track Only)
Pedigree: Tourist – Kacy Lauren
Trainer: Fernando Abreu
Form: 56-5423
Analysis: Eligible only if the race is moved off turf. Tourist was a Breeders’ Cup Mile winner, so turf pedigree is strong.
7. Acoustic Ave
Pedigree: Maclean’s Music – Rock Ave. Road
Trainer: Linda Rice
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Form: 1-33611
Analysis: Enters in peak form with back-to-back wins. Maclean’s Music adds speed and class. A major player.
8. Antonio of Venice
Pedigree: Laoban – Stella Performance
Trainer: Rudy R. Rodriguez
Form: 186-322
Analysis: Improving 4-year-old with tactical versatility. Could surprise with a stalking trip.
9. Jackson Heights
Pedigree: Union Jackson – Queen of The Night (GB)
Trainer: Ilkay Kantarmaci
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Form: 552451
Analysis: Late-running type who needs pace to close into. Franco’s second mount in the race suggests confidence.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Acoustic Ave – sharp form, strong connections
Value Play: Locke and Key – consistent and under the radar
Exotics Threat: Run Curtis Run – reliable closer with Castellano aboard
