This $100,000 black-type turf sprint for three-year-olds and up is contested over six furlongs on the grass, honoring the legendary Maryland-bred turf sprinter Ben’s Cat, a 32-time winner trained by the late King T. Leatherbury.
Race Overview: 2025 Ben’s Cat Stakes at Laurel Park
- Race: Ben’s Cat Stakes (Race 6)
- Track: Laurel Park
- Surface: Turf
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligibility: 3YO & Up
- Post Time: 2:43 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double
This year’s edition features a deep field of 10 runners, including defending champion Whenigettoheaven, turf sprint specialist Determined Kingdom, and emerging threat Had to Have Him. With a mix of proven stakes winners and local turf specialists, this race promises a thrilling finish down the Laurel lawn.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crabs N Beer | Jorge Ruiz | James Lawrence II | Blofeld – Get’m Up Pronto | 8-1 |
| 2 | King Covee | Victor Carrasco | Phil Schoenthal | Imagining – Queen Covee | 15-1 |
| 3 | Sinetic | Jaime Rodriguez | Antonio Machado | Tom’s d’Etat – Sharons in Charge | 20-1 |
| 4 | Great Idea | Horacio Karamanos | Phillip Capuano | Great Notion – Calliope | 5-1 |
| 5 | Tidewater | Sheldon Russell | Anthony Aguirre Jr. | Outflanker – Saucy Countess | 6-1 |
| 6 | Had to Have Him | Forest Boyce | John Salzman Jr. | Force the Pass – Success At Sunup | 8-1 |
| 7 | Hunter Joe | Jevian Toledo | Hamilton Smith | Palace Malice – Celtic Katie | 12-1 |
| 8 | Determined Kingdom | Mychel Sanchez | Michael Trombetta | Animal Kingdom – Filia | 3-1 |
| 9 | Whenigettoheaven | J.G. Torrealba | Nolan Ramsey | Street Magician – Heaven Knows What | 5-2 |
| 10 | Tall Order | Jean Alvelo | Gina Perri | Outwork – Untiltherewasyou | 15-1 |
Top Contenders to Watch
Whenigettoheaven (Post 9)
- Trainer: Nolan Ramsey
- Jockey: J.G. Torrealba
- Record: 6YO gelding, 3-time Laurel winner
- Notable Wins: 2024 Ben’s Cat Stakes
- Analysis: Defending champ returns in sharp form after a show finish on synthetic. Loves this turf course and distance. Tactical speed and outside draw suit his style.
🥈 Determined Kingdom (Post 8)
- Trainer: Michael Trombetta
- Jockey: Mychel Sanchez
- Record: 10-for-23 on turf
- Notable Finishes: 3rd in Jim McKay Turf Sprint (Preakness undercard)
- Analysis: Versatile and consistent turf sprinter. Was the beaten favorite in the King Leatherbury but rebounded with a strong third at Pimlico. Dangerous with a clean trip.
Had to Have Him (Post 6)
- Trainer: John Salzman Jr.
- Jockey: Forest Boyce
- Record: 2 wins, 3 placings from 9 turf starts
- Last Race: Sharp win off a six-month layoff
- Analysis: Lightly raced 4YO with upside. Closed strongly in return and could surprise with another step forward.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Tidewater (Post 5): 3rd at Pimlico last out; consistent turf form (13: 3-4-4).
- Great Idea (Post 4): Veteran with back class and 4 wins over the Laurel turf.
- Hunter Joe (Post 7): 4 wins from 9 starts on this course; second off the layoff.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Honest to fast. Crabs N Beer, Sinetic, and Tall Order may push early.
- Closers: Whenigettoheaven, Had to Have Him, and Hunter Joe will be flying late.
- Key Matchup: Whenigettoheaven vs Determined Kingdom – class vs consistency.
Projected Order of Finish
- Whenigettoheaven
- Determined Kingdom
- Had to Have Him
- Tidewater
- Great Idea
