Race Details
Event: Astoria Stakes (Listed)
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 1:46 PM ET
Venue: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Distance: 5 ½ furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $150,000
Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
Recent Performance:
Sassy C W dominated her debut at Churchill Downs, winning by 5 ¼ lengths.
Vernon Valley secured a wire-to-wire victory at Aqueduct.
Ticket to Ride enters as a first-time starter, showing strong workouts.
Top Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree |
| Sassy C W | Jareth Loveberry | Larry Rivelli | Sired by Yaupon, out of Speedy Belle |
| Vernon Valley | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Mark Casse | Sired by Vekoma, out of Silver Charm |
| Ticket to Ride | Shaun Bridgmohan | Melanie Giddings | Sired by Honest Mischief, out of Golden Ticket |
| Varinisi | Luis Saez | Chasey Deville Pomier | Sired by The Factor, out of Varina |
| Gena B | Kendrick Carmouche | Horacio De Paz | Sired by Brody’s Cause, out of Gena’s Dream |
Race Analysis & Prediction
The Astoria Stakes is a premier early-season test for two-year-old fillies, showcasing raw speed and potential future stars. This year’s field features several gate-to-wire debut winners, setting up a potential speed duel that could favor late-running contenders.
Sassy C W enters as the morning-line favorite, having crushed her maiden race at Churchill Downs. Her Yaupon pedigree suggests elite sprinting ability, and with Jareth Loveberry aboard, she’s a strong contender.
Vernon Valley, trained by Mark Casse, has shown explosive early speed and could dictate the pace. If she gets a clean break, she’ll be tough to catch.
Ticket to Ride is the wild card, entering as a first-time starter with impressive workouts. If the frontrunners tire, she could capitalize.
Best Bets & Predictions
Win Bet: Sassy C W (8-5) – Strong pedigree and top jockey.
Exacta Box: Sassy C W / Vernon Valley – Speed duel potential.
Longshot Play: Ticket to Ride (10-1) – First-time starter with upside.
