The Daniel Van Clief Memorial Hurdle Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Foxfield Races in Charlottesville, Virginia. This 2 1/8-mile hurdle race offers a $75,000 purse and is open to four-year-olds and older horses. As part of the spring steeplechase season, this stakes race promises a thrilling contest featuring a mix of seasoned jumpers and emerging talents.
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees:
- Evie’s Prince
- Pedigree: Sired by Animal Kingdom, out of Owl Moon (by Ghostzapper).
- Trainer: Neil R. Morris
- Jockey: James O’Sullivan
- Analysis: An experienced eight-year-old gelding, Evie’s Prince has shown consistency over hurdles. His pedigree emphasizes stamina and versatility, making him a strong contender in this long-distance race.
- Chosen Judge (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Rule of Law, out of Chosen Destiny (IRE) (by Well Chosen).
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: Jamie Bargary
- Analysis: This six-year-old Irish-bred gelding has a solid record in hurdle races. His European pedigree suggests a strong aptitude for jumping and endurance.
- Travesuras
- Pedigree: Sired by Hit It a Bomb, out of Heart’s Song (by Desert Party).
- Trainer: Cyril Murphy
- Jockey: Bernard Dalton
- Analysis: A six-year-old gelding with a competitive record, Travesuras has shown promise in recent starts. His pedigree combines speed and stamina, making him a versatile competitor.
- Boldog (FR)
- Pedigree: Sired by Authorized (IRE), out of Belga Wood (by Woodman).
- Trainer: Thomas Garner
- Jockey: Evan Dwan
- Analysis: A seven-year-old French-bred gelding, Boldog has experience in both flat and hurdle races. His pedigree emphasizes stamina, and his recent form suggests he could be a strong finisher.
- Smart Uncle
- Pedigree: Sired by Uncle Mo, out of Smart Together (by Smart Strike).
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen
- Analysis: A five-year-old gelding, Smart Uncle is making his 2025 debut after a successful 2024 season. His pedigree highlights a balance of speed and stamina, and his connections are among the most respected in steeplechase racing.
- Clifton Down (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Lope de Vega (IRE), out of Star of Bristol (by Speightstown).
- Trainer: Todd McKenna
- Jockey: Harrison Beswick
- Analysis: A five-year-old Irish-bred gelding, Clifton Down has shown potential in his limited starts. His pedigree suggests a strong turn of foot, which could be an asset in the closing stages.
Race Analysis:
The Daniel Van Clief Memorial Hurdle Stakes is expected to be a tactical affair, with the long distance testing the stamina and jumping ability of the field. Evie’s Prince’s experience and consistency make him a strong contender, while Chosen Judge’s European pedigree and form add intrigue. Travesuras and Boldog bring versatility and stamina to the race, while Smart Uncle’s connections and Clifton Down’s potential make them dark horses.
