The $50,000 Auburn Stakes headlines Monday’s twilight card at Emerald Downs, showcasing a field of eight 3-year-olds sprinting six furlongs on dirt. As the first major sophomore stakes of the meet, this race often serves as a springboard to the Seattle Slew Stakes and Muckleshoot Derby later in the season.
Race Overview
- Race: Auburn Stakes (Race 6)
- Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $50,000
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds
- Post Time: 8:20 PM PT
- Track: Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA
Full Field Analysis
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | M/L Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F B I Bob | Frank Alvarado | Jennifer Nunnally | Stay Thirsty – She’ll Take Charge | 7/1 |
| 2 | Si That Tiger | Silvio Amador | Blaine Wright | Smiling Tiger – Ros’s Girl | 3/2 |
| 3 | Candy Caballo | Carlos Montalvo | Tom Wenzel | Twirling Candy – Viva Malala | 6/1 |
| 4 | Goin’ South | Alex Cruz | Blaine Wright | Om – Clever Bird | 4/1 |
| 5 | Yeti Lute | Kiaman McGregor | Rosie Simkins | Lutes Gift – Sensible | 15/1 |
| 6 | Tiz’s Harbor | David Haldar | Isidro Tamayo | Majestic Harbor – Tizfit | 5/1 |
| 7 | He’s Not Talking | Juan Gutierrez | Bonnie Jenne | Brody’s Cause – No Talking Back | 9/2 |
| 8 | Impassable | Javier Matias | Howard Belvoir | Barkley – Star Protocol | 12/1 |
Horses to Watch
Si That Tiger (Morning Line Favorite – 3/2)
- Form: 3 wins from 5 starts, including a dominant 5½-length score last out.
- Pedigree Note: By Smiling Tiger, a prolific sire of West Coast sprinters.
- Trainer Angle: Blaine Wright has won this race 3 times since 2015.
- Speed Figures: Tops the field with a 95 rating.
Goin’ South (4/1)
- Form: Back-to-back wins at Emerald, including a sharp 5f score in May.
- Pedigree Note: By Om, a Grade 2 turf sprinter, but this gelding has thrived on dirt.
- Jockey Note: Alex Cruz is the meet’s leading rider.
Tiz’s Harbor (5/1)
- Form: 3 wins from 8 starts, including a last-out head victory over He’s Not Talking.
- Pedigree Note: By Majestic Harbor, known for stamina and late kick.
- Trip Note: Draws well and should get a stalking trip.
He’s Not Talking (9/2)
- Form: 3 straight runner-up finishes, including a narrow loss to Tiz’s Harbor.
- Pedigree Note: By Brody’s Cause, a classic-distance influence.
- Jockey Note: Juan Gutierrez is a veteran stakes rider at Emerald.
Tactical Breakdown
- Pace Scenario: Expect Si That Tiger, Goin’ South, and Yeti Lute to vie for the early lead. Tiz’s Harbor and He’s Not Talking will stalk, while Impassable and Candy Caballo may close late.
- Track Bias: Emerald Downs has favored inside speed in recent 6f stakes, but closers can win with a clean trip.
- Key Matchup: Si That Tiger vs Goin’ South – both have early foot and sharp recent wins.
Betting Tips & Prediction
- Top Pick: Si That Tiger – dominant last-out win and tactical speed make him the one to beat.
- Value Play: Tiz’s Harbor – consistent, improving, and gets a favorable pace setup.
- Exacta Box: 2-4-6 (Si That Tiger, Goin’ South, Tiz’s Harbor)
- Longshot to Watch: Candy Caballo – sneaky class and could pick up pieces late.
