This $75,000 black-type stakes for Ohio-registered 3-year-olds will be contested over 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on dirt, and features a competitive field of eight, including multiple stakes winners and rising local stars.
Race Overview: 2025 Daniel Stearns Cleveland Gold Cup Stakes
- Race: Daniel Stearns Cleveland Gold Cup Stakes (Race 9)
- Track: Thistledown
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
- Purse: $75,000
- Eligibility: Ohio-registered 3-year-olds
- Post Time: 4:57 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double
This year’s edition features stakes winners Fortissimo and Superwolf, as well as speedy filly Lo Bug, who takes on the boys after a dominant win at Belterra. With a mix of front-runners and closers, this race sets up for a tactical stretch battle.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fortissimo | Jose Ortiz | Timothy Hamm | Take Charge Indy – Equineline Reports | 10/11 (Fav) |
| 2 | Boots Malone | Joseph Ramos | Robert Gorham | Gormley – Wakeeta | 11/4 |
| 3 | Bigpiclittlepic | Jose Bracho | Joseph Poole | Qurbaan – Looktheotherway | 28/1 |
| 4 | Music Jewel | Lexander Sanchez | Alejandro Mendieta | Make Music for Me – Shanghai Jewel | 33/1 |
| 5 | Ed’s Reward | Rocco Bowen | Timothy Hamm | Improbable – Leona’s Reward | 9/1 |
| 6 | Judy’s Comet | Alexander Chavez | Richard Zielinski | Cinco Charlie – Masterful Miss | 50/1 |
| 7 | Lo Bug | Noel Vigil | Richard Zielinski | Mor Spirit – Turducken | 8/1 |
| 8 | Superwolf | Erik Barbaran | Robert Gorham | Instagrand – Sunshineandsilence | 4/1 |
Top Contenders to Watch
Fortissimo (Post 1)
- Trainer: Timothy Hamm
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Form: 4 wins, 2 seconds from 7 starts
- Speed Figure: 87
- Analysis: The morning-line favorite has never missed the exacta and enters off a strong runner-up finish at Belterra. By Take Charge Indy, he’s bred to handle the added distance and has tactical speed from the rail.
Superwolf (Post 8)
- Trainer: Robert Gorham
- Jockey: Erik Barbaran
- Form: 3 wins, 2 seconds from 8 starts
- Notable Win: Best of Ohio Juvenile Stakes
- Analysis: The first stakes winner for sire Instagrand, Superwolf has speed and stamina. He’ll need to overcome the wide draw but has the class to contend.
Lo Bug (Post 7)
- Trainer: Richard Zielinski
- Jockey: Noel Vigil
- Form: 5 wins from 10 starts
- Last Win: 2¼-length score at Belterra
- Analysis: The lone filly in the field, Lo Bug has won 4 of her last 5 and is in razor-sharp form. She’ll need to prove she can handle the boys and the added distance, but her turn of foot is dangerous.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Ed’s Reward (Post 5): Lightly raced and bred for two turns. Could improve second off the layoff.
- Bigpiclittlepic (Post 3): Consistent placer with a grinding style. Could sneak into the exotics.
- Judy’s Comet (Post 6): Has hit the board in 5 of 10 starts. Needs a career-best but could pick up pieces late.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Honest to fast. Lo Bug, Superwolf, and Boots Malone all have early foot.
- Closers: Fortissimo and Ed’s Reward will look to stalk and pounce.
- Key Matchup: Fortissimo vs Superwolf – proven class vs pace pressure.
Projected Order of Finish
- Fortissimo
- Superwolf
- Lo Bug
- Ed’s Reward
- Boots Malone
