The Fonner Park Special Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. This six-furlong dirt sprint is exclusively for Nebraska-bred three-year-old colts and geldings, offering a $25,000 purse. The stakes race is a highlight of Fonner Park’s spring racing season and promises an exciting contest among emerging local talents.
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees:
- Firenspice
- Pedigree: Sired by Uncaptured, out of Spice Girl (by Speightstown).
- Trainer: Stetson Rushton
- Jockey: Blake Nunnally
- Analysis: Firenspice is the morning-line favorite, showcasing consistent form in allowance races. His pedigree emphasizes speed, and his ability to break sharply from the gate makes him a strong contender.
- Our Clover Gal
- Pedigree: Sired by Newport, out of Clover Queen (by Malibu Moon).
- Trainer: Alberto Ibanez
- Jockey: Jayden R. Ironeyes
- Analysis: Our Clover Gal has shown promise in her recent starts but will need to step up her game to compete with the top contenders in this stakes race.
- Chacha to Catalina
- Pedigree: Sired by Catalina Red, out of Chacha Queen (by Tapit).
- Trainer: Mark N. Hibdon
- Jockey: David Cardoso
- Analysis: Chacha to Catalina has been competitive in allowance races and brings tactical speed to the field. Her ability to handle pressure in the stretch will be key.
- Miss Charge It
- Pedigree: Sired by Dominus, out of Charge Ahead (by War Front).
- Trainer: Mark N. Hibdon
- Jockey: Victor Jadhir Bailon
- Analysis: Miss Charge It enters the race off a strong second-place finish in her last start. Her pedigree suggests stamina, which could be an advantage in the closing stages.
- Trip to Freedom
- Pedigree: Sired by Freedom Child, out of Trip to Glory (by Tiznow).
- Trainer: Marvin A. Johnson
- Jockey: Jose Angel Medina
- Analysis: Trip to Freedom has shown flashes of potential but will need to improve on her recent performances to contend.
- Addi Bug
- Pedigree: Sired by El Deal, out of Bugsy (by Ghostzapper).
- Trainer: Isai V. Gonzalez
- Jockey: Kevin Roman
- Analysis: Addi Bug has been inconsistent but has the pedigree and training to surprise. Her ability to break sharply will be crucial in this sprint.
- Tiz Hoppin
- Pedigree: Sired by Tizdejavu, out of Hoppin Mad (by Distorted Humor).
- Trainer: Mike Sorensen
- Jockey: Ronald Hisby
- Analysis: Tiz Hoppin has struggled in recent starts but could benefit from a favorable pace scenario.
- Princessofchitown
- Pedigree: Sired by Dialed In, out of Chicago Queen (by Street Cry).
- Trainer: John Ness
- Jockey: Ricardo Martinez
- Analysis: Princessofchitown is lightly raced but has shown promise in her maiden victory. Her ability to handle the pressure of stakes competition remains to be seen.
Race Analysis:
The Fonner Park Special Stakes is a short sprint, favoring horses with early speed and sharp breaks from the gate. Firenspice’s consistent form and pedigree make him the horse to beat, but Chacha to Catalina’s tactical speed and Miss Charge It’s stamina add intrigue to the race. Addi Bug and Princessofchitown could surprise with strong efforts, while the rest of the field will need to step up to contend.
