This $75,000 black-type sprint for Ohio-accredited fillies and mares aged 3 and up will be contested over six furlongs on dirt, and features a deep field of 12, including multiple stakes winners and local specialists.
Race Overview: 2025 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial Stakes at Thistledown
- Race: Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial Stakes (Race 10)
- Track: Thistledown
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $75,000
- Eligibility: Ohio-accredited Fillies & Mares, 3YO & Up
- Post Time: 4:48 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double
This year’s edition features speedy front-runners, gritty closers, and multiple stakes-tested mares, including Authoritarian Girl, Kichi Kitsu, and National Diamond. With a mix of class, consistency, and local form, this sprint promises fireworks from gate to wire.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Notable Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Authoritarian Girl | Luis Gonzalez | Marco Ibarra | Medal Count – Bossy Girl (Street Boss) | 6 wins from 10 starts; last-out winner |
| 2 | Praise N Glory | Victor Fernandez | Ivan Vazquez | Dynamic Racer – Catch the Waves | Lightly raced 3YO; stakes debut |
| 3 | Queenofthebuckeye | Ricardo Feliciano | Louis Ruberto Jr. | Dark Kestrel – Buckler | 4 wins, 11 top-3 finishes from 15 starts |
| 4 | Lofty Cowtown | Anthony Nunez | Megan Fadlovich | Cowtown Cat – Lofty Lizzy | 6 wins; stakes-placed |
| 5 | Kiss Valentina | Yan Aviles | Raquel Castro | National Flag – Kiss for Dodie | 3 wins from 34 starts; consistent |
| 6 | Miz Keeta | Joseph Ramos | Robert Gorham | National Flag – Wakeeta | 4 wins from 12 starts; stakes-placed |
| 7 | Salute the Kid | Fernando Salazar | Richard Rettele | Kiss the Kid – Prayer Salute | 4 wins, 6 placings from 15 starts |
| 8 | Tierney | Jose Bracho | Johanna Urieta | National Flag – Mini Mom | 4 wins, 11 top-3 finishes from 19 starts |
| 9 | Quick Rendezvous | Luis Rivera | Jeffrey Radosevich | Quick Change – Late Lover | 4 wins from 14 starts; tactical speed |
| 10 | National Diamond | Angel Diaz | Nestor Rivera | National Flag – Three Diamonds | 7 wins from 22 starts; last-out winner |
| 11 | Kichi Kitsu | Alexander Chavez | Jeffrey Skerrett | Dark Kestrel – Buckler | 9 wins from 22 starts; 41% win rate |
| 12 | Lemon Mousse | Erik Barbaran | Robert Gorham | Awesome Patriot – Lemonesque | 4 wins from 11 starts; 84 speed rating |
Top Contenders to Watch
Authoritarian Girl (Post 1)
- Trainer: Marco Ibarra
- Jockey: Luis Gonzalez
- Form: 6 wins from 10 starts; 3-race win streak
- Analysis: The likely favorite enters off a hard-fought win over Lemon Mousse and has tactical speed from the rail. She’s 4-for-5 at Thistledown and has the highest win percentage in the field.
Kichi Kitsu (Post 11)
- Trainer: Jeffrey Skerrett
- Jockey: Alexander Chavez
- Form: 9 wins, 5 seconds from 22 starts
- Analysis: Veteran mare with a 41% win rate and a recent win over Authoritarian Girl. She’s drawn wide but has the class and consistency to overcome it.
National Diamond (Post 10)
- Trainer: Nestor Rivera
- Jockey: Angel Diaz
- Form: 7 wins, 2 seconds from 22 starts
- Analysis: Comes off a dominant 6¼-length win and owns a strong local record. She’ll be forwardly placed and could wire the field if left alone.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Tierney (Post 8): 4 wins and 9 seconds from 19 starts; ultra-consistent and just won at a mile.
- Lemon Mousse (Post 12): Just missed by a head to Authoritarian Girl last out; wide draw but dangerous late.
- Lofty Cowtown (Post 4): Stakes-placed and capable of a big effort if pace collapses.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Fast. National Diamond, Authoritarian Girl, and Quick Rendezvous all have early foot.
- Closers: Kichi Kitsu, Lemon Mousse, and Tierney will look to capitalize late.
- Key Matchup: Authoritarian Girl vs Kichi Kitsu – revenge or repeat?
