The $25,000 GCFA Starter Stakes anchors Race 11 at Gillespie County Fairground in Fredericksburg, Texas, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with post time set for 5:10 PM CT. This 5½-furlong dirt sprint is restricted to three-year-olds and up that have started for a claiming price of $7,500 or less in 2024 or 2025. With a field of six contenders, the race features proven Texas-bred sprinters, veteran jockeys, and pedigrees built for speed and grit.
Contenders & Horse Profiles
| Horse Name | Pedigree | Trainer | Jockey | Age/Sex | Morning Line Odds |
| Ima Bling Cat | Too Much Bling – Stephanies Wildcat (D’wildcat) | J.R. Caldwell | R. Diaz | 7/G | TBD |
| Queen of Thunder | Drums of Thunder – Abbie Maria (Uncle Abbie) | M. Roman | D. Benavides | 5/M | TBD |
| Texas Holdem | Race Day – Lil Sweet Sea (Warrior’s Reward) | J.R. Caldwell | V.M. Urieta Jr. | 6/G | TBD |
| Clipper Cove | Too Much Bling – Paddle Out (Valid Expectations) | A. Hernandez | J. Edison | 7/M | TBD |
| Sharp Lorenzo | Sharp Azteca – Funtasia (Acclamation) | J.R. Caldwell | V.M. Urieta Jr. | 4/G | TBD |
| Rags Royal Prinz | Competitive Edge – Princess Z Ohsix (Paynter) | H.R. Ashford Jr. | I. Wiseman | 3/G | TBD |
Pedigree Insights & Dirt Sprint Potential
Ima Bling Cat, by Too Much Bling, is bred for Texas sprint dominance. His dam adds a dose of D’wildcat speed, making him a top contender. Queen of Thunder, by Drums of Thunder, is a homebred mare with local roots and a pedigree that leans toward stamina and late kick. Texas Holdem, by Race Day, combines tactical speed with Warrior’s Reward toughness—ideal for short bursts on dirt. Clipper Cove, another Too Much Bling offspring, has a dam by Valid Expectations, a proven Texas sire line for sprinters. Sharp Lorenzo, by Sharp Azteca, brings national class and a pedigree built for acceleration and versatility. Rags Royal Prinz, the youngest in the field, is by Competitive Edge, a sire known for precocious speed and early maturity.
Jockey & Trainer Matchups to Watch
J.R. Caldwell sends out three runners and is a dominant force in Texas stakes racing. His pairing with R. Diaz and V.M. Urieta Jr. has produced multiple wins at Gillespie. I. Wiseman (Rags Royal Prinz) is a rising talent and could surprise aboard the lightly raced 3-year-old. J. Edison (Clipper Cove) and A. Hernandez are known for aggressive front-end tactics, which could suit this mare’s style.
Recent Form & Career Notes
Ima Bling Cat has multiple wins at the claiming level and remains consistent in sprints under Caldwell’s care. Texas Holdem and Sharp Lorenzo have both hit the board in recent allowance company and bring strong form into the race. Queen of Thunder and Clipper Cove are veteran mares with local experience and could benefit from a contested pace. Rags Royal Prinz is lightly raced but improving, and may offer value as a fresh face in the field.
Predicted Finish & Strategy
Winner: Ima Bling Cat – proven form, tactical speed, top connections
Place: Sharp Lorenzo – improving gelding with pedigree upside
Show: Texas Holdem – consistent sprinter with strong closing kick
