Race Overview
The Grade I Copa Gobernador Stakes is set to take place at Camarero Race Track on June 1, 2025, featuring a competitive field of seven three-year-old colts. This $66,000 dirt race covers 1 1/8 miles, attracting top contenders from Puerto Rico’s elite racing circuit.
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Iron Skull (PR) – 9/5
- Pedigree: Midnight Storm x Angela’s Smile (Scat Daddy)
- Trainer: Edwin Texidor, Jr.
- Jockey: Erik Ramirez
- Owner: Skull Stable, LLC
- Analysis: A consistent front-runner, Iron Skull has shown strong early speed and could dictate the pace. His Scat Daddy lineage suggests stamina, making him a serious contender.
2. Vuelve Junior F (PR) – 10/1
- Pedigree: Maraud x B. J. Miracle (Anasheed)
- Trainer: Kevin Velez
- Jockey: Juan C. Diaz
- Owner: FBC Racing
- Analysis: A longshot with potential, Vuelve Junior F has struggled against graded stakes competition but could improve with a ground-saving trip.
3. El Auditor (PR) – 5/1
- Pedigree: Handsome Franco x Syriana Mia (Hockenheim)
- Trainer: Daniel Encarnacion
- Jockey: Javier Santiago
- Owner: D C Racing
- Analysis: A late-running colt, El Auditor will need a fast pace upfront to maximize his chances. His Hockenheim bloodline suggests he has the stamina to close late.
4. Atlantico (PR) – 10/1
- Pedigree: Mo Town x Nellie Bly (Congrats)
- Trainer: Maximo Gomez
- Jockey: Steven Monserrate
- Owner: Cinco Hermanos St., Inc.
- Analysis: Making his stakes debut, Atlantico has solid turf credentials but will need to adapt to the dirt surface at Camarero.
5. Carismatico (PR) – 6/5
- Pedigree: Maraud x Too Fast for Love (Harlington)
- Trainer: Jason Lisboa
- Jockey: Jorge I. Velez
- Owner: Est. Tony Guzman
- Analysis: The morning-line favorite, Carismatico has proven graded stakes form and a strong closing kick, making him a major contender.
6. Timonero (PR) – 4/1
- Pedigree: Believe in Royalty x Peggy Grieves Me (Rock Hard Ten)
- Trainer: Ramon Morales
- Jockey: Jean C. Alvelo
- Owner: Sonata Stable
- Analysis: A versatile runner, Timonero has solid speed figures and could be a major factor if he secures a good stalking position.
7. Royal Transformer (PR) – 3/1
- Pedigree: Believe in Royalty x Transformadora (Van Nistelrooy)
- Trainer: Arturo Rondon
- Jockey: Joshua Navarro
- Owner: C.A.C., Inc.
- Analysis: A dangerous closer, Royal Transformer has strong Churchill Downs form and could be a late threat if the pace is fast.
Race Prediction & Betting Insights
- Top Contenders: Carismatico, Iron Skull, Royal Transformer
- Best Longshot Play: El Auditor
- Projected Winner: Carismatico – He has proven graded stakes form, a strong jockey-trainer combination, and excellent Camarero Race Track experience.