The 16th running of the Hard Spun Stakes takes center stage at Presque Isle Downs on Monday, July 21, 2025, featuring a competitive field of 3-year-olds and up sprinting 1 mile and 70 yards on the all-weather track. With a $75,000 purse and a lineup of seasoned stakes contenders, this race promises tactical speed, pedigree depth, and high betting interest.
Race Overview & Strategic Insights
Race: Hard Spun Stakes (Race 7)
Track: Presque Isle Downs, Erie, PA
Distance: 1 mile and 70 yards
Surface: All-weather (Tapeta)
Purse: $75,000
Post Time: 6:12 PM ET
Field Size: 11 runners
Track Condition: Fast (forecasted)
Full Field Breakdown – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| # | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Career Record | Rating |
| 1 | Shadow Factor | Huber Villa-Gomez | Ron Potts | The Factor – Amy Farah Fowler | 10: 3-1-4 | 91 |
| 2 | Dylan’s Ruby | Frankie Pennington | John Servis | Classic Empire – Halo Hollie | 12: 2-4-3 | 101 |
| 3 | John Dutton | Rosario Montanez | Scooter Davis | Eastwood – Reconsider | 25: 4-6-4 | 103 |
| 4 | Valentine Bug | Brandon Tapara | Jay Bernardini | Dramedy – Nightfury | 28: 7-2-8 | 104 |
| 5 | Going Up | Ronald Allen Jr. | Ron Potts | Mineshaft – Shush Up | 18: 9-1-3 | 105 |
| 6 | Fierce and Strong | Tyler Conner | Michael Salvaggio Jr. | Hoppertunity – Doubleclickdamouse | 27: 11-6-2 | 104 |
| 7 | Heavy Pour | Antonio Gallardo | Tim Girten | Stormy Atlantic – Charm the Crowd | 15: 4-2-2 | 112 |
| 8 | Twilight Dancer | Pablo Morales | Juan Arriagada | Tapiture – Moonlight Basin | 14: 5-3-1 | 105 |
| 9 | He’s a Mess | Willie Martinez | Scooter Davis | Dramedy – Nightfury | 21: 4-6-3 | 103 |
| 10 | Trevesso | Daniel Centeno | Cathal Lynch | Kitten’s Joy – Setubal | 10: 2-0-2 | 97 |
| 11 | Extrasexybigdaddee | Alexander Chavez | Nestor Rivera | Congrats – Extra Sexy Psychic | 32: 5-12-6 | 98 |
Top Contenders to Watch
Heavy Pour – The highest-rated runner (112), trained by Tim Girten and ridden by meet leader Antonio Gallardo. Undefeated at the distance (2-for-2) and 7-for-7 in-the-money at Presque Isle Downs.
Going Up – Boasts a 50% win rate and strong local form. Mineshaft pedigree suggests stamina and late kick.
Twilight Dancer – Defending champion from 2024, trained by Juan Arriagada. Tapiture progeny often excel on synthetic surfaces.
Pedigree Highlights & Breeding Insights
Heavy Pour (Stormy Atlantic x Charm the Crowd) – Stormy Atlantic’s final crop; known for producing versatile turf and synthetic runners.
Fierce and Strong (Hoppertunity x Doubleclickdamouse) – Hoppertunity offspring bring grit and closing speed.
Dylan’s Ruby (Classic Empire x Halo Hollie) – Classic Empire’s lineage offers tactical speed and adaptability.
Trevesso (Kitten’s Joy x Setubal) – Kitten’s Joy progeny are turf specialists but have shown promise on Tapeta.
Betting Strategy & Picks
Win Bet: Heavy Pour – elite form, top jockey, and distance specialist
Exacta Box: Heavy Pour / Twilight Dancer / Fierce and Strong
Trifecta Play: Heavy Pour / Going Up / Dylan’s Ruby
