The Blitzen Stakes is a $75,000 stakes race for three-year-olds and upward, contested over 7 furlongs on dirt.
This event is part of the Parx Winter Racing Festival and features a field of eight geldings and colts with a blend of sprint speed and stakes experience. The race could favor front-runners like Buccherino if the pace is moderate, but closers such as Twisted Ride may benefit from a sloppy track. Favorites Buccherino and Maximus Meridius are likely to see strong support, but horses like Sunny Breeze offer value in exotics.
Venue Location
Parx Racing is located at 3001 Street Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020.
The track’s one-mile dirt oval with a chute for 7-furlong races typically plays fair, but winter conditions can make it demanding for speed horses.
Post Time: The race is scheduled for 3:14 p.m. ET for Race 8.
The card begins around 12:05 p.m. ET.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Bensalem, PA, on December 31, 2025, calls for snowy and cold conditions, with highs around 36°F and lows near 27°F, and a chance of precipitation.
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Winds from the SSW at 5-10 mph could add to the chill, potentially impacting stamina in the stretch.
Track Conditions
Given the snowy forecast, the dirt track is expected to be sloppy or muddy, favoring horses with proven off-track form like Buccherino or Twisted Ride.
Parx dirt can tire early leaders in wet conditions, shifting advantage to stalkers and closers.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field of eight is detailed below, including post position, recent finishes (last 3-5 where available from profiles and reports), style, and connections. Morning line (M/L) odds are from entries.
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All horses are geldings except Buccherino and Global Steve (colts).
Post 1: Maximus Meridius (M/L Odds: 5/2)
Horse Analysis: 4YO gelding by Maximus Mischief out of Quiet Virtue; front-runner with strong sprint form. Recent finishes: 1st Toboggan S. (LS) 2025 at Aqueduct; 1st Gravesend S. (LS) 2024; 1st Let’s Give Thanks S. at Parx (by head); 2nd Parx Sprint 2025; 4th Gotham S. (G3) March 2024.
Consistent winner; mud pedigree from sire; inside post aids wire-to-wire bid. Owner: LC Racing LLC, Cash is King LLC & Wellesley Stable.
Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez – Top Parx rider with 25% win rate; excels on speed types.
Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr. – 20% win rate; strong with stakes sprinters; multiple entries.
Post 2: Howgreatisnate (M/L Odds: 8/1)
Horse Analysis: 5YO gelding by Speightster out of Bee Dees Bid; stalker with closing kick. Recent finishes: 2nd in race won by Maximus Meridius (Let’s Give Thanks S.); other allowance placements in 2025.
Versatile; could rally if pace hot; handles wet. Owner: Imaginary Stables.
Jockey: Julio A. Hernandez – Solid mid-card rider (15% wins).
Trainer: Andrew L. Simoff – 18% win rate; develops consistent performers.
Post 3: Twisted Ride (M/L Odds: 4/1)
Horse Analysis: 6YO gelding by Great Notion out of Diva’s Gold; mid-pack stalker. Recent finishes: 2nd Runhappy S. at Belmont; 1st Banjo Picker Sprint (RS) 2023; 1st Page McKenney Handicap (RS) 2023; 1st Fishtown (LS) 2023; 1st City of Brotherly Love 2022.
Stakes veteran; strong in mud; good post for tracking trip. Owner: Kasey K Racing Stable LLC, Final Turn Racing Stables LLC & Michael Day.
Jockey: Andy Hernandez – Reliable local (12% wins).
Trainer: Michael M. Moore – 15% win rate; focuses on PA-breds.
Post 4: Dropline (M/L Odds: 5/1)
Horse Analysis: 4YO gelding by Uncle Lino out of Sour Lemon Drop; speed type. Recent finishes: Allowance tries in 2024-2025; no specific stakes, but consistent placer.
Tactical; could press pace; suits distance. Owner: Jack J. Armstrong.
Jockey: Abner Adorno – Consistent (15% wins); good with front-runners.
Trainer: Robert Mosco – 12% win rate; local specialist.
Post 5: Buccherino (M/L Odds: 3/1)
Horse Analysis: 4YO colt by Bucchero out of Bellimbusto; front-runner with class. Recent finishes: 1st Parx Sprint S. 2025; 1st State Representative’s Sprint S. 2025; Grade 2-placed earlier.
Favorite for a reason; strong speed figures; mud ok. Owner: Happy Tenth Stable.
Jockey: Angel Cruz – Veteran (18% wins); pairs well with Velazquez barn.
Trainer: Alfredo Velazquez – 20% win rate; excels in sprints.
Post 6: Global Steve (M/L Odds: 15/1)
Horse Analysis: 3YO colt by Bucchero out of A Rosefor Isabelle; developing stalker. Recent finishes: Limited stakes; allowance tries in 2025.
Longshot; upside but class test. Owner: Cash is King LLC and LC Racing LLC.
Jockey: Unknown – TBA; expect solid from Reid barn.
Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr. – As above; barnmate to Maximus Meridius.
Post 7: Sunny Breeze (M/L Odds: 8/1)
Horse Analysis: 4YO gelding by Cajun Breeze out of Love My Sunshine; stalker with kick. Recent finishes: 2nd Gallant Bob S. (G2) Sep 2025 at Parx; 1st Concern S. Jul 2025 at Laurel (1:24.30, 7f).
Consistent; handles off tracks; value play. Owner: Stonehedge LLC.
Jockey: Angel R. Rodriguez – Aggressive (18% wins).
Trainer: Edward T. Allard – 15% win rate; develops sprinters.
Post 8: Paradise Valley (M/L Odds: 8/1)
Horse Analysis: 5YO gelding by Lookin At Lucky out of Puddifoot; closer. Recent finishes: Allowance/claiming in 2025; no recent stakes details.
Wide post hurts; could rally in mud. Owner: Pewter Stable.
Jockey: Silvestre Gonzalez – Steady (12% wins).
Trainer: Kathleen A. Demasi – 18% win rate; patient with older horses.
