The Grade II VisitLEX Elkhorn Stakes is set to take place on April 19, 2025, at Keeneland Racecourse, featuring a competitive field of four-year-olds and up. This 1 1/2-mile turf race carries a $400,000 purse, attracting several accomplished distance runners.
Race Details
Race: VisitLEX Elkhorn Stakes (G2)
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Keeneland Racecourse, Lexington, KY
Distance: 1 1/2 miles (Turf)
Purse: $400,000
Post Time: 5:16 PM ET
Field Overview
1. Rebel Red (GB)
Pedigree: Frankel (GB) – Without You Babe, by Lemon Drop Kid
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services
Analysis: A British-bred turf specialist, Rebel Red has shown stamina in longer races. His pedigree suggests he will handle the distance well.
2. Grand Sonata (KY)
Pedigree: Medaglia d’Oro – A.P. Sonata, by A.P. Indy
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Whisper Hill Farm
Analysis: A six-year-old veteran, Grand Sonata has experience in graded stakes races and could be a strong contender.
3. Dean Martini (KY)
Pedigree: Cairo Prince – Soundwave, by Friends Lake
Jockey: Edwin A. Maldonado
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Owner: David A. Bernsen, LLC
Analysis: A former dirt runner, Dean Martini transitions to turf and will need to prove he can handle the surface.
4. Verstappen (KY)
Pedigree: War Front – Andromeda Galaxy (FR), by Peintre Celebre
Jockey: Declan Cannon
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Andrew Farm, For the People Racing Stable & Debra L. O’Connor
Analysis: A consistent turf performer, Verstappen has the pedigree and experience to be a serious contender.
5. Utah Beach (KY)
Pedigree: English Channel – My Own Story, by Lasting Approval
Jockey: Vincent Cheminaud
Trainer: Ignacio Correas IV
Owner: Jeffrey S. Amling & Merriebelle Stable
Analysis: A distance specialist, Utah Beach has performed well in marathon turf races.
6. Limited Liability (KY)
Pedigree: Kitten’s Joy – Hold Harmless, by Blame
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Owner: Stuart S. Janney III
Analysis: A strong closer, Limited Liability will look to make a late charge in the stretch.
7. Anglophile (KY)
Pedigree: English Channel – Trustmore Lovemore, by Kitten’s Joy
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Owner: LFG Racing, LLC
Analysis: A turf specialist, Anglophile has shown promise in longer races.
8. Ole Crazy Bone (KY)
Pedigree: Ghostzapper – Southern Gem, by Smart Strike
Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.
Trainer: William B. Calhoun
Owner: Allied Racing Stable, LLC
Analysis: A versatile runner, Ole Crazy Bone has the ability to compete at this distance.
9. Missed the Cut (KY)
Pedigree: Quality Road – Beauly (GB), by Sea The Stars (IRE)
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Bee Zee, LLC, Lane’s End Racing, St. Elias Stable & others
Analysis: A top contender, Missed the Cut has the pedigree and experience to be a major factor.
10. Starting Over (KY)
Pedigree: Liam’s Map – Vanishing, by Lemon Drop Kid
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Trainer: Brittany T. Russell
Owner: Nice Guys Stables, LLC
Analysis: A late-running closer, Starting Over will need a strong pace to set up his finishing kick.
11. Idratherbeblessed (KY)
Pedigree: Unified – Celestial Smile, by Tiznow
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Trainer: Chris A. Hartman
Owner: JD Thoroughbreds, LLC & Wayne Scherr
Analysis: A longshot, Idratherbeblessed will need a career-best effort to contend.
12. Balnikhov (IRE)
Pedigree: Adaay (IRE) – Leeward, by First Defence
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Philip D’Amato
Owner: Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables & Old Bones Racing
Analysis: A European-bred turf runner, Balnikhov has the pedigree to excel at this distance.
13. Native Shaman (KY) (AE)
Pedigree: Shaman Ghost – Native Talent, by A.P. Indy
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
Trainer: George R. Arnold II
Owner: Calumet Farm
Analysis: A talented runner, Native Shaman will need a strong effort to compete with the top contenders.
Race Outlook
The VisitLEX Elkhorn Stakes features a deep and competitive field, headlined by Missed the Cut, Grand Sonata, and Verstappen. Missed the Cut enters as a top contender, while Grand Sonata has proven consistency. Verstappen’s pedigree and experience make him a strong challenger.