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Horse Race Preview: Grade II VisitLEX Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland

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.

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