The Grade III Arlington Stakes, a prestigious turf race for older horses, returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as part of Stephen Foster Preview Day. This 1 1/16-mile turf event features a $275,000 purse, attracting some of the top turf specialists in the country.
Race Overview
- Event: 2025 Arlington Stakes (Grade III)
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Turf)
- Purse: $275,000
- Eligibility: 4-Year-Olds & Up
- Post Time: 5:27 PM ET
Top Contenders & Pedigrees
| Horse | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Berti | War Front | Cherie DeVaux | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 3/1 |
| Mercante | Kitten’s Joy | Steven Asmussen | Flavien Prat | 4/1 |
| Lagynos | Hard Spun | Steven Asmussen | Luis Saez | 5/1 |
| Call Protection | Oscar Performance | Michael Maker | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 6/1 |
| Silent Heart | Twirling Candy | Brian Lynch | Jose Ortiz | 8/1 |
| Gigante | Medaglia d’Oro | Steven Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 10/1 |
| Cameo Performance | Freud | Brendan Walsh | Ben Curtis | 12/1 |
| Event Detail | Hard Spun | W.E. Walden | Joel Rosario | 15/1 |
Key Horses to Watch
- Brilliant Berti (War Front) – A proven turf performer, trained by Cherie DeVaux, looking to extend his winning streak after a Grade II victory at Keeneland.
- Mercante (Kitten’s Joy) – Trained by Steven Asmussen, this consistent closer finished second in the Grade II Muniz Memorial Handicap.
- Lagynos (Hard Spun) – A speedy front-runner, trained by Steven Asmussen, aiming to control the pace early.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Analysis: Expect Lagynos and Call Protection to set the early pace, while Brilliant Berti and Mercante will look to close late.
- Track Conditions: With firm turf expected, closers may have an advantage.
- Best Bet: Brilliant Berti (3/1) – Proven stakes-winning ability and strong recent form make him the top contender.
How to Watch & Wager
- TV Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
- Streaming: TwinSpires, DRF Bets
- Post Time: 5:27 PM ET
