The Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Gus Fonner Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. This one-and-one-sixteenth-mile dirt race is the marquee event of Fonner Park’s spring racing season, offering a $75,000 purse. The 66th running of this stakes race features a competitive field of nine horses, including local favorites and a notable ship-in from Japan.
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees:
- Komorebino Omoide
- Pedigree: Sired by California Chrome, out of Japanese mare Sakura Memory.
- Trainer: Roberto Diodoro
- Jockey: Kevin Roman
- Analysis: Komorebino Omoide is the morning-line favorite at 6-5. The Japanese-bred colt has competed in high-level stakes races, including a fifth-place finish in the Grade 2 New Orleans Classic. His pedigree reflects stamina and versatility, and his experience at higher levels makes him a standout in this field.
- Tennessee Moon
- Pedigree: Sired by Malibu Moon, out of Tennessee Charm (by Distorted Humor).
- Trainer: Mark Hibdon
- Jockey: David Cardoso
- Analysis: Tennessee Moon is a local favorite and the top filly in the field. She has won the Bold Accent Stakes and Spring Tradition Stakes at Fonner Park this year. Her ability to compete against male horses adds intrigue to her chances.
- Arthurian
- Pedigree: Sired by Uncle Mo, out of Camelot Queen (by Tapit).
- Trainer: David Anderson
- Jockey: Armando Martinez
- Analysis: Arthurian is the second choice at 4-1 and enters the race off a victory in the Dowd Mile Stakes. His tactical speed and strong finishing ability make him a serious contender.
- Just Plain Ornery
- Pedigree: Sired by Hard Spun, out of Ornery Charm (by Curlin).
- Trainer: Jon Arnett
- Jockey: Ricardo Martinez
- Analysis: Just Plain Ornery finished second in the Dowd Mile Stakes and has shown consistency in local races. He will need to step up to challenge the top contenders.
- Subsidize
- Pedigree: Sired by Paynter, out of Subsidy Queen (by Empire Maker).
- Trainer: Kelli Martinez
- Jockey: Jake Olesiak
- Analysis: Subsidize finished third in the Dowd Mile Stakes and has been competitive in allowance company. His ability to stay close to the pace will be key.
- Forced Ranking
- Pedigree: Sired by Honor Code, out of Ranking Queen (by Ghostzapper).
- Trainer: Stetson Rushton
- Jockey: Adrian Ramos
- Analysis: Forced Ranking finished fourth in the Dowd Mile Stakes and has shown flashes of potential. He will need a strong effort to contend.
- Drivehappy
- Pedigree: Sired by Tapit, out of Happy Drive (by Giant’s Causeway).
- Trainer: Mike Sorensen
- Jockey: Nathan Haar
- Analysis: Drivehappy finished fifth in the Dowd Mile Stakes and has struggled to find consistency. He will need to improve significantly to compete.
- Northwind
- Pedigree: Sired by Frosted, out of Northern Breeze (by Storm Cat).
- Trainer: Cynthia McKee
- Jockey: Marshall Mendez
- Analysis: Northwind is the longshot at 20-1. While he has shown occasional promise, he faces a tough task against this field.
- Absolute Chaos
- Pedigree: Sired by Violence, out of Chaos Queen (by War Front).
- Trainer: Bret Calhoun
- Jockey: Angel Cruz
- Analysis: Absolute Chaos is the outsider at 30-1. His recent performances suggest he may struggle to keep pace with the top contenders.
Race Analysis:
The Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Gus Fonner Stakes is expected to be a tactical affair, with Komorebino Omoide likely to set the pace or sit just off the leaders. Tennessee Moon’s ability to compete against male horses adds intrigue, while Arthurian’s strong form and Subsidize’s consistency make them serious threats. The Dowd Mile Stakes runners, including Just Plain Ornery and Forced Ranking, add depth to the field, but Komorebino Omoide’s class and experience make him the horse to beat.
