2025 Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Churchill Downs
Race: Race 10
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
Purse: $500,000
Eligibility: 4-Year-Olds & Up
Post Time: 5:31 PM ET
Contenders Breakdown
1. Henro
Pedigree: Collected – Street Minstrel
Trainer: Chris A. Hartman
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Form: 841-487
Analysis: Lightly raced 4YO gelding with tactical speed. Finished 7th in the St. Matthews Stakes and may be overmatched here. Needs a pace meltdown to contend.
2. Lagynos
Pedigree: Kantharos – Steamy
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Form: 511-323
Analysis: Consistent 4YO colt who was a close third in the G3 Arlington Stakes. Kantharos adds turf brilliance. Prat’s presence boosts appeal.
3. Mi Hermano Ramon
Pedigree: Creative Cause – Sassy Suances
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Form: 212-452
Analysis: Runner-up in the G1 Shoemaker Mile, just a neck behind King of Gosford. Brings top-class form and could be peaking at the right time.
4. Mercante
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Caressing
Trainer: Brian Knippenberg
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
Form: 1-81121
Analysis: Winner of the G3 Arlington Stakes, outdueling Brilliant Berti. Gun Runner adds stamina and class. A serious win contender.
5. Event Detail
Pedigree: City of Light – Breaking Beauty
Trainer: William Walden
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Form: 862-124
Analysis: Fourth in the Arlington Stakes. City of Light is a rising turf influence. Ortiz could work out a trip, but needs to step forward.
6. Taking Candy
Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Taking Aim
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Form: 2/123-10
Analysis: Finished 10th in the G1 Turf Classic. Has back class but may be tailing off. Twirling Candy is a top turf sire, so don’t dismiss entirely.
7. Brilliant Berti
Pedigree: Noble Mission (GB) – Believe in Bertie
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.
Form: 211-812
Analysis: Narrowly beaten by Mercante in the Arlington. Undefeated at Churchill before that. Noble Mission adds turf stamina. Dangerous if he gets the jump.
8. Fort Washington
Pedigree: War Front – Azaelia (FR)
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Form: 432-511
Analysis: Comes in off back-to-back wins, including the G3 Dinner Party. War Front is a turf titan. Top-tier connections and form make him the one to beat.
9. Seminole Chief
Pedigree: Girvin – Secret Song
Trainer: Jack Sisterson
Jockey: Luis Saez
Form: 15-3119
Analysis: Faded to 9th in the Shoemaker Mile. Has talent but may be outclassed here. Needs a perfect trip and pace collapse.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Fort Washington – sharp form, elite pedigree, top barn
Main Rival: Mercante – Arlington winner with tactical speed
Value Play: Mi Hermano Ramon – G1-placed and improving
Exacta Box: Fort Washington, Mercante, Mi Hermano Ramon
Trifecta Add-On: Brilliant Berti – Churchill specialist with upside
