The Audubon Stakes, a highly anticipated turf race for three-year-olds, returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as part of Stephen Foster Preview Day. This $275,000 listed stakes event is set for 1 1/8 miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course, serving as a prep race for the $250,000 American Derby on June 29.
Race Overview
- Event: 2025 Audubon Stakes (Listed)
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Turf)
- Purse: $275,000
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds
- Post Time: 5:58 PM ET
Top Contenders & Pedigrees
| Horse | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formidable Man | War Front | Michael McCarthy | Luis Saez | 3/1 |
| Cugino | Uncle Mo | Shug McGaughey III | Robert Patt | 4/1 |
| Can Group | Candy Ride | Mark Casse | Francisco Arrieta | 5/1 |
| Lagynos | Kitten’s Joy | Steve Asmussen | Cristian Torres | 6/1 |
| Nomos | Nyquist | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 8/1 |
| Thomas Aquinas | Medaglia d’Oro | Ian Wilkes | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 10/1 |
| Camaro Z | Constitution | Greg Foley | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 12/1 |
| Rock’n a Halo | Hard Spun | Tom Amoss | Edgar Morales | 15/1 |
Key Horses to Watch
- Formidable Man (War Front) – Runner-up in the Grade II American Turf Stakes, trained by Michael McCarthy, known for developing elite turf runners.
- Cugino (Uncle Mo) – Finished second in the Grade III Transylvania Stakes, trained by Shug McGaughey III, a Hall of Fame conditioner.
- Can Group (Candy Ride) – Winner of the Grade II Bourbon Stakes, trained by Mark Casse, looking to extend his dominance on turf.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Analysis: Expect Lagynos and Camaro Z to set the early pace, while Formidable Man and Cugino will look to close late.
- Track Conditions: With firm turf expected, closers may have an advantage.
- Best Bet: Formidable Man (3/1) – Proven turf ability and strong recent form make him the top contender.
How to Watch & Wager
- TV Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
- Streaming: TwinSpires, DRF Bets
- Post Time: 5:58 PM ET
