Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Track: Camarero Race Track – Canóvanas, Puerto Rico
Distance: 1 3/16 Miles (9.5 Furlongs) | Dirt
Purse: $42,480
Eligibility: 3-Year-Old Thoroughbreds
Track Condition: Fast (forecasted)
Race Overview
The Copa 4 de Julio Stakes (G1) is Puerto Rico’s premier summer classic for 3-year-olds, held annually at Camarero Race Track. Known for producing local champions and future Caribbean Classic contenders, this 9½-furlong dirt test demands both stamina and tactical speed. The 2025 edition features a rematch between last year’s winner El Católico and several rising stars from the Puerto Rican circuit.
Featured Contenders & Analysis
El Católico
Jockey: Edwin Castro
Trainer: Keith Soto
Owner: Denian Stable
Pedigree: Catholic Boy – Parade of Roses (by New Year’s Day)
Record: 10: 6-2-2 Earnings: $101,553
Notable Wins: 2024 Copa 4 de Julio (G1), Clasico George Washington (G3)
Style: Tactical speed; thrives on the lead or pressing
Edge: Track record holder at 1 3/16 miles (1:59.17); proven class and stamina
El Católico is the defending champion and enters in peak form. His pedigree combines dirt stamina (Catholic Boy) with late kick (New Year’s Day), and he’s undefeated at this distance.
Franny’s Son
Jockey: Luis F. Rivera
Trainer: LM Stable PR
Pedigree: Get Stormy – Franny’s Last Dance (by Spring At Last)
Form: Runner-up in 2024 Copa 4 de Julio
Note: Consistent runner-up to El Católico; needs pace meltdown to reverse the result
Another Miranda
Jockey: Jomar García
Trainer: Establo Tony Guzman
Pedigree: Classic Empire – No Better Terms (by Pure Prize)
Form: 3rd in 2024 Copa 4 de Julio
Note: Improving filly facing males again; strong late kick
Other Notables
Arturo R – Stamina type; needs pace to collapse
Elegant Joe – Speedy but fades late
Awesome Discount – Longshot with minor award potential
Americus – Inconsistent but bred for distance
Desert Sand – Needs major improvement to contend
Pace & Tactical Breakdown
Front Runners: El Católico, Elegant Joe
Stalkers: Franny’s Son, Arturo R
Closers: Another Miranda, Americus
Expect a moderate to fast pace, with El Católico likely to control the tempo. If he gets loose on the lead, he could repeat his dominant 2024 performance. Franny’s Son and Another Miranda will need to time their moves perfectly to challenge late.
