Race Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 3:40 PM ET
- Venue: Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN
- Distance: 3 miles (Hurdle)
- Purse: $250,000
- Eligible Horses: 4-year-olds & up
The Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes is the premier steeplechase event in the United States, attracting elite jumpers from across the country. With a challenging 3-mile course, stamina, jumping ability, and tactical positioning will be crucial in determining the winner.
Contenders Overview
1. Zarak the Brave (FR)
- Sire: Zarak (FR)
- Trainer: Thomas Garner
- Jockey: Evan Dwan
- Recent Form: 6/1 odds
Zarak the Brave has shown consistent form, with strong performances in previous hurdle races. His sire, Zarak, is known for producing elite jumpers, making him a serious contender.
2. Jimmy P (GB)
- Sire: Slumber (GB)
- Trainer: Keri Brion
- Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen
- Recent Form: 10/1 odds
Jimmy P enters as a longshot, but his pedigree suggests he could handle the distance. His sire, Slumber, has produced competitive turf runners, though his progeny have had mixed success over hurdles.
3. Zabeel Champion (GB)
- Sire: Poet’s Voice (GB)
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: James O’Sullivan
- Recent Form: 8/1 odds
Zabeel Champion has solid credentials, with Poet’s Voice’s lineage providing both stamina and versatility. He could be a factor if the pace is moderate.
4. Abaan (USA)
- Sire: Will Take Charge
- Trainer: Kate Dalton
- Jockey: Bernard Dalton
- Recent Form: 4/1 odds
Abaan has experience at this level, finishing in the money in his last three starts. His sire, Will Take Charge, suggests he has the stamina to handle the extended distance.
5. Vae Patron (FR)
- Sire: Manduro (GER)
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: Danny Mullins
- Recent Form: 3/1 odds
Vae Patron enters in strong form, having won his last race convincingly. Manduro’s pedigree suggests he will thrive over longer distances.
6. Howyabud (IRE)
- Sire: Milan (GB)
- Trainer: Cyril Murphy
- Jockey: Harrison Beswick
- Recent Form: 15/1 odds
Howyabud has struggled in recent outings, but Beswick’s presence could help him rebound.
7. Foxy Walk (IRE)
- Sire: Walk In The Park (IRE)
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: Gerard Galligan
- Recent Form: 20/1 odds
Foxy Walk has shown flashes of talent, but he will need to step up against this competitive field.
8. Snap Decision (USA)
- Sire: Hard Spun
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: Graham Watters
- Recent Form: 2/1 odds (favorite)
Snap Decision enters as the favorite, with Hard Spun’s pedigree providing speed and endurance. His trainer, Jack Fisher, is known for success in steeplechase events.
Race Prediction & Strategy
- Snap Decision appears to be the strongest contender based on recent form and pedigree.
- Vae Patron and Abaan could challenge late, given their consistency.
- Zabeel Champion has the pedigree and trainer to be a factor.
- Zarak the Brave is a dark horse with potential upside.
