The 72nd running of the $300,000 Hanshin Stakes (Listed) takes place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Churchill Downs, featuring a competitive field of eight older horses going one mile on dirt. This race, presented in partnership with the Japan Racing Association (JRA), is a key summer target for graded stakes-caliber milers and a pivotal prep for fall campaigns.
Full Field & Post Positions
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Banishing | Jose L. Ortiz | David Jacobson | 2/1 |
| 2 | Judge Miller | Antonio Fresu | Mark Glatt | 6/1 |
| 3 | Best Actor | Mario Gutierrez | Ed Moger Jr. | 20/1 |
| 4 | Saudi Crown | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | 9/5 (Favorite) |
| 5 | Tumbarumba | Luis Saez | Brian Lynch | 10/1 |
| 6 | Extra Anejo | Flavien Prat | Steve Asmussen | 6/1 |
| 7 | Will Take It | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Dallas Stewart | 10/1 |
| 8 | Cagliostro | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Cherie DeVaux | 10/1 |
Pedigree & Performance Analysis
Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming – New Narration, by Tapit)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Pedigree Notes: By Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, out of a Tapit mare—elite dirt miler bloodlines.
Form: Grade 1 winner of the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby; beat Mystik Dan last out in the Lake Ouachita Stakes.
Banishing (Ghostzapper – Dowager, by A.P. Indy)
Trainer: David Jacobson
Pedigree Notes: By Ghostzapper, out of a blue-blooded A.P. Indy mare; stamina and class.
Form: Winner of the G3 Oaklawn Mile; fifth in the G3 Blame Stakes.
Judge Miller (Curlin – Cavorting, by Bernardini)
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Pedigree Notes: By Curlin out of G1 winner Cavorting—a regal pedigree.
Form: 6-for-6 in the money; won Santa Anita allowance last out.
Extra Anejo (Into Mischief – Superioritycomplex (IRE), by Hard Spun)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Pedigree Notes: By Into Mischief, North America’s leading sire; dam adds turf versatility.
Form: Won G3 Commonwealth; needs rebound after G1 Churchill Downs Stakes flop.
Cagliostro (Upstart – A Rosefor Isabelle, by Hard Spun)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Pedigree Notes: By Upstart, a rising sire; dam adds sprint influence.
Form: Won 2024 Hanshin Stakes; returns from Dubai layoff.
Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance – Naive Enough, by Street Sense)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Pedigree Notes: By turf star Oscar Performance, but has proven dirt ability.
Form: Multiple allowance wins; third in last Churchill start.
Will Take It (Tapit – Lady Take Charge, by War Front)
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Pedigree Notes: By Tapit out of a War Front mare—classic dirt pedigree.
Form: Won Churchill allowance in May; lightly raced.
Best Actor (Flatter – Abraqat, by Smart Strike)
Trainer: Ed Moger Jr.
Pedigree Notes: By Flatter, known for producing durable runners.
Form: Second in Churchill allowance; longshot with upside.
Race Dynamics & Tactical Outlook
Pace Scenario: Expect Saudi Crown and Banishing to vie for the early lead. Judge Miller and Extra Anejo could stalk, while Cagliostro and Will Take It may close late.
Track Profile: Churchill’s one-turn mile favors tactical speed and inside draws.
Key Factors: Class edge, pace pressure, and post position will be crucial.
Betting Strategy & Prediction
Top Pick: Saudi Crown – proven class, tactical speed, and back on home soil.
Value Play: Judge Miller – improving form and elite pedigree.
Exotics Threat: Cagliostro – defending champ with strong late kick.
