2025 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Laurel Park
Race: Race 11
Distance: 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $175,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds & Up
Post Time: 4:57 PM ET
Contenders Breakdown
1. Petingas Twin
Pedigree: Take Charge Indy – Summer Punch
Trainer: Anthony Farrior
Jockey: Sheldon Russell
Form: 16225-4
Analysis: Four-time winner with tactical speed. Finished fourth in a tough allowance on June 6. Needs to break sharply from the rail to avoid traffic.
2. Caramel Chip
Pedigree: Midshipman – Nandira
Trainer: Carlos David
Jockey: John Velazquez
Form: 321662
Analysis: Veteran 7YO with 13 career wins. Finished second at Churchill in May and brings strong late pace. Midshipman adds class and durability.
3. Celtic Contender
Pedigree: Irish War Cry – Celtic Katie
Trainer: Hamilton Smith
Jockey: Victor Carrasco
Form: 121-233
Analysis: Maryland Million Sprint winner and consistent stakes performer. Finished third in the G3 Maryland Sprint. Local favorite with strong credentials.
4. Faster Gator
Pedigree: Vekoma – Comforter
Trainer: Anthony Farrior
Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica
Form: 1-127
Analysis: 3YO facing older for the first time. Finished seventh in the Chick Lang Stakes. Vekoma adds speed, but this is a big class test.
5. Subrogate
Pedigree: Arrogate – Goose Lemon Drop
Trainer: Jorge Duarte Jr.
Jockey: Horacio Karamanos
Form: 4/1116-2
Analysis: Talented 5YO with a 106 Beyer last summer. Returned with a strong second in the Mr. Prospector. Arrogate adds stamina. Major win threat.
6. Super Chow
Pedigree: Lord Nelson – Bonita Mia
Trainer: Jorge Delgado
Jockey: TBD
Form: 36-1941
Analysis: Multiple graded stakes winner with early speed. Won the Get Serious Stakes on June 15. Dangerous if he clears early.
7. Dean Delivers
Pedigree: Cajun Breeze – Slick and True
Trainer: Edward Allard
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez
Form: 11136-3
Analysis: Defending champ. Wired the field last year and placed third in the Mr. Prospector. Versatile and battle-tested. Must respect.
8. Happy Is a Choice
Pedigree: Runhappy – Fast Alexia
Trainer: John Ortiz
Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez
Form: 11-2433
Analysis: Consistent 5YO with a strong closing kick. Fourth in the G3 Aristides. Runhappy adds sprint brilliance. Could pick up pieces late.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Subrogate – sharp return, high ceiling
Main Rival: Dean Delivers – defending champ, versatile style
Value Play: Caramel Chip – veteran with strong late pace
Exacta Box: Subrogate, Dean Delivers, Caramel Chip
Trifecta Add-On: Super Chow – early speed threat
