The Edward P. Evans Stakes, set for Friday, July 18, 2025, at Colonial Downs, is a $125,000 turf route for Virginia-bred or -sired horses aged 3 and up, contested over 1 1/16 miles. As part of the Virginia-bred stakes series, this race highlights regional turf talent and pedigrees with national reach.
Field Overview & Horse-by-Horse Analysis
| Post | Horse | Sire – Dam (Dam Sire) | Jockey | Trainer | Breeder | Morning Line |
| 1 | Buddy Buddy | Fiber Sonde – Francey Dancey (Not For Love) | Fredy Peltroche | Timothy M. Collins | Robert Bachelor | 10-1 |
| 2 | Street Hockey | Street Boss – Chabeso (Langfuhr) | Antonio Gallardo | Phil Schoenthal | Audley Farm Equine LLC | 20-1 |
| 3 | Reggae Man | Practical Joke – Moonlight Lady (Malibu Moon) | Jorge Ruiz | James L. Lawrence II | Lazy Lane Farms LLC | 15-1 |
| 4 | Gettin’downonit | Anchor Down – Cape Town Woman (Cape Town) | Jevian Toledo | Mark Beecher | Kingston Thoroughbreds LLC | 12-1 |
| 5 | Repo Rocks | Tapiture – Hawaiian Love (Not For Love) | Mychel Sanchez | Jamie Ness | Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III | 6-5 |
| 6 | King Covee | Animal Kingdom – Regal Roma (Roman Ruler) | Victor Carrasco | Phil Schoenthal | Christopher Kuhn | 9-5 |
| 7 | Sendero | City of Light – Trishas Even (Even the Score) | Emmanuel Esquivel | Juan C. Sanchez | Knockgriffin Farm | 12-1 |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Repo Rocks (ML 6-5)
A dual Grade 3 winner with over $1 million in earnings, Repo Rocks brings class and experience.
Though winless in four turf starts, his dirt form is elite, including victories in the G3 Toboggan and G3 Westchester.
Trainer Jamie Ness is a stakes-winning powerhouse, and jockey Mychel Sanchez has guided Repo Rocks to multiple wins.
King Covee (ML 9-5)
By Animal Kingdom, a Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner known for turf prowess.
Trainer Phil Schoenthal and jockey Victor Carrasco form a sharp combo with turf success.
Dam Regal Roma adds stamina and turf adaptability.
Gettin’downonit (ML 12-1)
Runner-up in last year’s Edward P. Evans Stakes, this Anchor Down gelding has two local turf wins.
Trainer Mark Beecher excels with turf routers, and jockey Jevian Toledo is a strong finisher.
Pedigree Highlights & Breeding Trends
Street Hockey (Street Boss) and Sendero (City of Light) bring sprinting pedigrees to a route test, offering pace potential.
Reggae Man (Practical Joke) is bred for versatility, with Moonlight Lady adding turf stamina.
Virginia breeders like Audley Farm, Lazy Lane Farms, and Kingston Thoroughbreds continue to elevate regional bloodlines with national sires.
Expect a tactical pace, with Repo Rocks and King Covee likely to press early. Gettin’downonit and Reggae Man could benefit from a stalking trip. For Pick 4 or Pick 5 bettors, this race offers a potential single in Repo Rocks, but spreading with King Covee and Gettin’downonit adds coverage.
