Race Overview
The Grade III Desert Stormer Stakes is set to take place at Santa Anita Park on June 1, 2025, featuring a competitive field of four fillies and mares aged three and up. This $100,000 dirt sprint covers six furlongs, attracting top contenders from California’s elite racing circuit.
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Fayette Fox (KY) – 6/1
- Pedigree: Sharp Azteca x A. P. Investment
- Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
- Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
- Owner: Holly & David Wilson
- Analysis: A speedy front-runner, Fayette Fox has solid early fractions but will need to hold off late challengers to secure a win.
2. Sweet Azteca (KY) – 3/5 (Morning-Line Favorite)
- Pedigree: Sharp Azteca x So Sweetitiz
- Trainer: Richard Baltas
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Owner: Pamela C. Ziebarth
- Analysis: A Grade I winner, Sweet Azteca returns after an eight-month layoff, having last raced in the Chillingworth Stakes (G3). She previously won the Beholder Mile (G1), Great Lady M (G2), and Rancho Bernardo (G3), making her the horse to beat.
3. Chismosa (CA) – 7/2
- Pedigree: Clubhouse Ride x You Can Dream
- Trainer: Rafael DeLeon
- Jockey: Kyle Frey
- Owner: Jaime Renella
- Analysis: The defending Desert Stormer champion, Chismosa returns after a six-month layoff. She previously defeated Sweet Azteca in the Las Flores Stakes (G3), proving she can capitalize on pace scenarios.
4. Super Shine (ARG) – 5/2
- Pedigree: Super Saver x Sunshine Allie
- Trainer: Philip D’Amato
- Jockey: Hector Berrios
- Owner: R Unicorn Stable
- Analysis: A Grade II-placed mare, Super Shine hasn’t raced since September 2024, when she finished second in the Tranquility Lake Stakes. She previously finished 12 lengths behind Sweet Azteca in the Great Lady M Stakes (G2), raising concerns about her ability to match the favorite’s speed.
Race Prediction & Betting Insights
- Top Contenders: Sweet Azteca, Chismosa, Super Shine
- Best Longshot Play: Fayette Fox
- Projected Winner: Sweet Azteca – She has proven graded stakes form, a strong jockey-trainer combination, and dominant sprinting ability.
