The Grade III Blame Stakes, a high-profile race for older horses, returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as part of Stephen Foster Preview Day. This 1 1/8-mile dirt race features a $275,000 purse and serves as a prep for the Grade I Stephen Foster Stakes on June 28.
Race Overview
- Event: 2025 Blame Stakes (Grade III)
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt)
- Purse: $275,000
- Eligibility: 4-Year-Olds & Up
- Post Time: 5:27 PM ET
Top Contenders & Pedigrees
| Horse | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystik Dan | Goldencents | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 5/1 |
| Banishing | Ghostzapper | David Jacobson | Flavien Prat | 6/1 |
| Post Time | Frosted | Brittany Russell | Sheldon Russell | 4/1 |
| Alexander Helios | Cairo Prince | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 12/1 |
| Antiquarian | Preservationist | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | 6/1 |
| Best Actor | Flatter | Ed Moger Jr. | Rafael Bejarano | 30/1 |
| Most Wanted | Curlin | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 8/1 |
| Katonah | Klimt | Doug O’Neill | Gerardo Corrales | 20/1 |
Key Horses to Watch
- Mystik Dan (Goldencents) – The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, trained by Kenny McPeek, looking to return to top form after a runner-up finish in the Lake Ouachita Stakes.
- Banishing (Ghostzapper) – A consistent performer, trained by David Jacobson, known for strong late runs in graded stakes.
- Post Time (Frosted) – A multiple graded stakes winner, trained by Brittany Russell, coming off a dominant 13-length allowance victory at Laurel Park.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Analysis: Expect Banishing and Alexander Helios to set the early pace, while Mystik Dan and Post Time will look to close late.
- Track Conditions: With fast dirt expected, front-runners may have an advantage.
- Best Bet: Mystik Dan (5/1) – 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
