Race Type: Stakes (Restricted)
Race Number: 9
Distance: 7 furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Eligibility: 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings
Purse: $500,000
Post Time: 9:05 PM ET
Field Size: 9 starters
Full Field Breakdown with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| PP | Horse | Age/Sex | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree |
| 1 | Faster Gator | 3/C | Arnaldo Bocachica | Anthony Farrior | Vekoma × Comforter (Nobiz Like Shobiz) |
| 2 | Tres Coronas | 3/C | Jonathan Ocasio | Luis M. Ramirez | Win Win Win × Lago Lindo (High Cotton) |
| 3 | Neoequos | 3/C | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | Neolithic × Bold Birdie (Birdstone) |
| 4 | Cool Cowboy | 3/G | C.J. McMahon | Jayde J. Gelner | Thousand Words × Summer of Joy (Sky Mesa) |
| 5 | Can Do Andrew | 3/C | Ramon Vazquez | Doug L. Anderson | Practical Joke × Rainbow Sparkle (Majestic Warrior) |
| 6 | Just a Fair Shake | 3/C | Xavier Perez | Daniel J. McKenzie | Laoban × Ladymidtown (Midshipman) |
| 7 | Owen Almighty | 3/C | Tyler Gaffalione | Brian A. Lynch | Speightstown × Tempers Rising (Bayern) |
| 8 | Gunmetal | 3/C | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | Gun Runner × Classy Dancer (Speightstown) |
| 9 | Barbadian Runner | 3/G | Forest Boyce | Henry Walters | Barbados × Quiet Run (Northern Afleet) |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
Owen Almighty (PP7)
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Pedigree: Speightstown × Tempers Rising
Key Notes:
Finished 5th in the Kentucky Derby (G1)
Won the $400K West Virginia Derby (G3) in gate-to-wire fashion
Tactical speed and stamina make him a top contender
Strong connections and proven class
Gunmetal (PP8)
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: Gun Runner × Classy Dancer
Key Notes:
Runner-up in a tough Saratoga allowance last out
Gun Runner progeny excel at middle distances
Cox-Saez combo is lethal in stakes company
Could stalk and pounce late
Faster Gator (PP1)
Trainer: Anthony Farrior
Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica
Pedigree: Vekoma × Comforter
Key Notes:
Local stakes winner at Charles Town
Rail draw suits his early speed
Vekoma offspring known for sharp acceleration
Could steal it if pace collapses
Neoequos (PP3)
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: Neolithic × Bold Birdie
Key Notes:
Won Monmouth Park sprint stakes last out
Ortiz Jr. adds a major upgrade in the saddle
Versatile running style and improving figures
Can Do Andrew (PP5)
Trainer: Doug L. Anderson
Jockey: Ramon Vazquez
Pedigree: Practical Joke × Rainbow Sparkle
Key Notes:
Prairie Meadows stakes winner
Gritty rail duels and strong late kick
Practical Joke line offers speed and durability
Betting Strategy
Top Pick: Owen Almighty — proven class, Derby experience, and recent G3 win
Value Play: Gunmetal — elite pedigree, top connections, and sharp recent form
Exacta Box: 7–8–3
The Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes is shaping up as a showcase for rising 3-year-old stars, with Owen Almighty looking to solidify his post-Derby campaign and Gunmetal poised to break through for Brad Cox. With deep pedigrees, tactical speed, and top-tier jockeys across the board, this seven-furlong sprint promises fireworks under the lights at Charles Town.
