The Grade I Shoemaker Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set for Monday, May 26, 2025, featuring a competitive field of nine turf specialists racing one mile on turf for a $300,000 purse. This prestigious event has drawn top contenders, including Formidable Man, who is looking to add another Grade I victory to his resume.
Race Details
- Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: 1 mile (Turf)
- Grade: I
- Purse: $300,000
- Field Size: 9
Field Breakdown
1. Seal Team (GB) (4YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: Richard Mandella
- Pedigree: War Front – Wading (Montjeu)
- Overview: A strong closer, Seal Team finished third in the Kilroe Mile (G1) and will look to improve with a fast pace setup.
2. Atitlan (5YO Horse, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Frankie Dettori
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Pedigree: Frankel – Alwilda (Hernando)
- Overview: A European import, Atitlan has shown sharp finishing ability and could be dangerous if the pace is fast.
3. Seminole Chief (6YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Trainer: John Sadler
- Pedigree: Speightstown – Indian Breeze (Indian Charlie)
- Overview: A front-runner, Seminole Chief will likely set the early pace, but his stamina over a mile remains a question.
4. King of Gosford (GB) (5YO Horse, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Trainer: Michael McCarthy
- Pedigree: Kingman – Gosford Park (Dansili)
- Overview: A tactical runner, King of Gosford finished second in the Kilroe Mile (G1) and has strong stalking ability.
5. Formidable Man (4YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Trainer: Michael McCarthy
- Pedigree: City of Light – Formidable Queen (Medaglia d’Oro)
- Overview: The favorite, Formidable Man won the Hollywood Derby (G1) and the Kilroe Mile (G1), making him the horse to beat.
6. Zio Jo (5YO Horse, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Pedigree: Kitten’s Joy – Zio Bella (Street Cry)
- Overview: A consistent turf performer, Zio Jo finished fourth in the Kilroe Mile (G1) and will need a strong trip to contend.
7. Mi Hermano Ramon (5YO Horse, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Ramon’s Song (Tapit)
- Overview: A stakes winner, Mi Hermano Ramon has strong closing ability and could be a factor late.
8. Cabo Spirit (6YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Trainer: George Papaprodromou
- Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile – Fancy Day (Shamardal)
- Overview: A veteran turf runner, Cabo Spirit has multiple graded stakes placings but will need a career-best effort to win.
9. Goliad (8YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
- Trainer: Richard Mandella
- Pedigree: War Front – Goliath’s Girl (Giant’s Causeway)
- Overview: A front-runner, Goliad will likely set the early pace, but his age and stamina over a mile remain concerns.
Race Analysis & Prediction
- Pace Scenario: Expect Goliad and Seminole Chief to set the early pace, with King of Gosford and Formidable Man tracking closely. Seal Team and Atitlan may sit mid-pack, while Mi Hermano Ramon and Cabo Spirit will likely close late.
- Key Matchup: The battle between Formidable Man and King of Gosford will be crucial. If Formidable Man can replicate his Hollywood Derby and Kilroe Mile form, he could dominate, but King of Gosford has the stalking ability to challenge late.
- Prediction: Formidable Man has the class and consistency to secure another Grade I victory, but King of Gosford could challenge late. Atitlan remains a wildcard with his European form.
