The Grade III Bewitch Stakes, presented by Keeneland Sales, is set to take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. This prestigious turf race, covering 1 1/2 miles, offers a purse of $350,000 and is open to fillies and mares aged 4 years and older. As the final graded stakes feature of Keeneland’s spring meet, the Bewitch Stakes promises a thrilling showdown among nine talented contenders.
Race Details
- Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
- Time: 4:07 PM ET
- Distance: 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs)
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: $350,000
- Eligibility: Fillies and mares, 4 years old and up
Contenders Overview
1. Dazzlin’ Dictator
- Pedigree: American Pharoah x Hollidazzle
- Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
- Jockey: Luan Machado
- Odds: 20/1
- Analysis: A potential pacesetter, Dazzlin’ Dictator has shown stamina in longer races, including an 11 1/4-length victory at Turfway Park earlier this year. However, her recent performance in the Latonia Stakes was underwhelming, raising questions about her consistency.
2. Immensitude (FR)
- Pedigree: Lawman (FR) x Ma Petite Poule (FR)
- Trainer: William I. Mott
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Odds: 5/2
- Analysis: Immensitude is a proven performer at longer distances, finishing second in the The Very One Stakes at Gulfstream Park. With Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and Eclipse-winning jockey Flavien Prat, she is a strong contender to secure her first North American win.
3. Forever After All
- Pedigree: Connect x Julia Tuttle
- Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Odds: 9/5
- Analysis: The likely favorite, Forever After All has excelled at marathon distances, including a victory in the La Prevoyante Stakes earlier this year. Walsh’s barn has been red-hot at Keeneland, and Ortiz’s presence adds further confidence.
4. Sand and Sea
- Pedigree: Liam’s Map x Hard Mystery
- Trainer: Riley Mott
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez
- Odds: 15/1
- Analysis: Sand and Sea has struggled to find her footing in graded stakes races but could surprise with her pedigree and Velazquez’s expertise.
5. Just Basking
- Pedigree: Arrogate x Spanish Star
- Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
- Jockey: Chris Landeros
- Odds: 12/1
- Analysis: A lightly raced 4-year-old, Just Basking is trying turf for the second time. Her pedigree suggests she could thrive at this distance, making her an intriguing upset candidate.
6. Sabalenka
- Pedigree: Good Samaritan x Darling Daughter
- Trainer: Joe Sharp
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Odds: 20/1
- Analysis: Sabalenka has yet to prove herself at this level but could benefit from Ortiz’s tactical riding.
7. Eternal Silence
- Pedigree: War Front x Princess Highway
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Odds: 4/1
- Analysis: Eternal Silence has shown promise in her recent outings and boasts a pedigree suited for turf marathons. Rosario’s skill could make her a serious contender.
8. Strikingly Spun
- Pedigree: Hard Spun x Smart Ashley
- Trainer: Joe Sharp
- Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr.
- Odds: 8/1
- Analysis: Strikingly Spun has been consistent in her performances and could capitalize on her stamina and Hernandez’s experience.
9. Youknownothing
- Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) x Ygritte
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Florent Geroux
- Odds: 12/1
- Analysis: Another Clement trainee, Youknownothing has shown flashes of brilliance at longer distances and could be a sleeper pick.
Race Outlook
The Bewitch Stakes features a competitive field with several standout contenders. Forever After All and Immensitude headline the race, both bringing proven records at marathon distances. Eternal Silence and Just Basking offer intriguing possibilities, while Dazzlin’ Dictator could set the pace early. The race’s outcome may hinge on tactical decisions by top jockeys like Ortiz, Prat, and Rosario.
