Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Ellis Park Turf Stakes at Ellis Park

An eight-runner, Grade III feature on the turf beckons in Race 8 at Ellis Park. The US$150,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes stretches 1 mile, 110 yards on firm grass, with US$94,500 to the winner. Expect a strategic battle of speed and late kick as a compact field navigates a demanding turf course.

Race Details

When: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:12 PM ET

Where: Ellis Park, Henderson, Kentucky

Distance: 1 mile, 110 yards (turf)

Purse: US$150,000 added (Winner: US$94,500; 2nd: US$30,000; 3rd: US$15,000; 4th: US$10,500)

Field Overview

Post	Horse	Age	Wt	Jockey	Trainer	Pedigree (Sire – Dam)
1	Maxisuperfly	4	8-10	Luan Machado	Eric Foster	Maxfield – Super Fly
2	Hope Mission	4	8-10	Tyler Gaffalione	Brendan Walsh	Hard Spun – Miracle Mission
3	Rose Palace	6	8-10	James Graham	Fernando Bahena	Palace Malice – Fairy’s Rose
4	Cozee Rags	4	8-10	Rafael Bejarano	Brian Michael	Kantharos – Ragtime Blues
5	Poppy The Princess	3	8-6	Irving Moncada	Troy Newton	Uncle Mo – Frosty’s Princess
6	Faith Understood	4	8-10	Edgar Morales	Dana Hancock	Constitution – Understood Grace
7	Next Up	3	8-6	Mario Gutierrez	Matthew Sims	Upstart – More Than Happy
8	Everland	4	8-10	Corey Lanerie	Eric Foster	Bodemeister – Ever So Sharp

Pace Scenario & Race Dynamics

Expect a contested early pace with Cozee Rags and Maxisuperfly dueling for command under Bejarano and Machado. Poppy The Princess and Next Up will stalk the leaders through a likely opening half‐mile in about 47 seconds. Mid-race, the 3-year-olds and late-running veterans (Hope Mission, Rose Palace) will launch their bids, turning this into a test of turf stamina and tactical positioning.

Contender Analysis

Maxisuperfly (Post 1, 30/1)

Maxisuperfly has shown flashes of turf promise, but his 6th-of-12 performance in Keeneland’s GII Franklin Stakes suggests he may struggle to match up in a smaller, more focused field. By Maxfield, he possesses a turn-of-foot but must overcome a ground-saving trip with Machado to upset here.

Hope Mission (Post 2, 19/2)

Tyler Gaffalione takes back on this Hard Spun mare, who paced on in GIII allowance company last month. Her 100 official rating and proven late rally at Ellis Park make her a major player; Walsh’s smart placement boosts her chances to pounce in the lane.

Rose Palace (Post 3, 28/1)

A six-year-old veteran trained by Bahena, Rose Palace boasts two allowance wins at one mile this summer. With Palace Malice stamina over turf and Graham’s patient style, she could be the pacesetter’s first threat when the pace quickens.

Cozee Rags (Post 4, 9/2)

Cozee Rags failed to fire in her last graded attempt but thrived when pressing a swift pace earlier this year. Kantharos bred for speed, she’s dangerous on the front end—Bejarano can exploit an inside draw to force honest fractions.

Poppy The Princess (Post 5, 33/10)

The three-year-old filly arrives unbeaten in two starts, including a 1¼-length gate-to-wire victory in a one‐mile score here. Uncle Mo imparts both speed and stamina, and Moncada’s handling of young runners makes her the one to beat.

Faith Understood (Post 6, 10/1)

Inconsistent but capable, this Constitution mare enjoyed a turf win last fall before faltering in graded spots. Morales must secure a clear trip, then hope her late kick can overcome any early speed bias.

Next Up (Post 7, 11/1)

Back-to-back Ellis Park allowance wins signal Next Up’s affinity for this course. By Upstart, she carries a potent late punch. Sims and Gutierrez will aim to track leaders, then weave through on the far turn.

Everland (Post 8, 16/1)

Corey Lanerie reunites with a horse that showed tactical speed and turf durability. Everland fits a mid-pack stalking role—if the speed duel takes toll, she could unleash a strong late surge.

Trainer & Jockey Matchups

Eric Foster pairs with Corey Lanerie for his meet-leading mount count, seeking his first Ellis Park stakes victory.

Brendan Walsh and Tyler Gaffalione boast a 20% win rate together in graded turf events.

Troy Newton’s filly Poppy The Princess targets her first stakes test under Moncada, a tandem riding at a 25% clip in routes this season.