The Grade III Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico Race Course is a $250,000 turf event for three-year-olds and up, contested over 1 1/8 miles. As one of the oldest stakes races in North America, this race has historically attracted top turf horses looking to establish themselves in the middle-distance division.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Divin Propos (FR) (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Luis Saez)
- Pedigree: George Vancouver – Psyche (FR)
- Recent Form: A French-bred gelding with solid turf credentials.
- Analysis: Rail draw and aggressive early jockey Luis Saez may help negate dropping too far back. Could be a factor if the pace is strong.
2. Crabs N Beer (Trainer: James L. Lawrence II | Jockey: Jorge Ruiz)
- Pedigree: Blofeld – Get’m Up Pronto
- Recent Form: Runner-up in last year’s Dinner Party Stakes but has struggled since.
- Analysis: Has enjoyed Pimlico’s turf before but needs to rebound from a disappointing local prep in the Henry S. Clark Stakes.
3. Signator (Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III | Jockey: TBD)
- Pedigree: Tapit – Pension
- Recent Form: Transitioned well from dirt to turf, winning his last two races.
- Analysis: Won the Dinner Party prep last out in the Henry S. Clark Stakes. Needs a quicker pace to maximize his closing ability.
4. Neat (Trainer: Rob Atras | Jockey: Joel Rosario)
- Pedigree: Constitution – Orabella
- Recent Form: Fourth in the Henry S. Clark Stakes at Laurel Park.
- Analysis: A miler stretching out to 1 1/8 miles for the first time. Will need to show stamina late.
5. Abrumar (Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz)
- Pedigree: Divisidero – Keep Crossing
- Recent Form: Third in the Appleton Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
- Analysis: A potential pace player who has shown improvement against older horses.
6. Balnikhov (IRE) (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Pedigree: Adaay (IRE) – Leeward
- Recent Form: Defending champion of the Dinner Party Stakes.
- Analysis: Won last year’s race over soft turf conditions. No course condition should be considered out of reach for him.
7. Cash Equity (FR) (Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- Pedigree: Toronado (IRE) – Funny Crazy (FR)
- Recent Form: A veteran turf runner with multiple graded stakes appearances.
- Analysis: Has the experience but needs a strong pace to set up his late kick.
8. Crystal Quest (Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta | Jockey: Paco Lopez)
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Giant Crystal
- Recent Form: A lightly raced colt with potential upside.
- Analysis: Needs to prove he can handle the step up in class.
9. Irish Aces (Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
- Pedigree: Mshawish – Nimble Foot (IRE)
- Recent Form: A consistent performer with strong turf credentials.
- Analysis: Could be a major player with a well-timed move.
10. Fort Washington (Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III | Jockey: Junior Alvarado)
- Pedigree: War Front – Azaelia (FR)
- Recent Form: A proven turf specialist with multiple graded stakes appearances.
- Analysis: Likely to be one of the top contenders given his experience.
11. Fulmineo (Trainer: Arnaud Delacour | Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco)
- Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Starr of Quality
- Recent Form: A rising star with strong recent form.
- Analysis: Could be a major player if he maintains his momentum.
12. Desvio (Trainer: Madison F. Meyers | Jockey: Weston Hamilton)
- Pedigree: Yoshida (JPN) – Fitzrovia
- Recent Form: A lightly raced gelding with potential upside.
- Analysis: Needs to prove he can handle the step up in class.
13. Trikari (Trainer: H. Graham Motion | Jockey: John R. Velazquez)
- Pedigree: Oscar Performance – Dynamic Holiday
- Recent Form: A Grade 1 winner looking for class relief.
- Analysis: The most accomplished horse in the field, Trikari has faced top competition and could be the one to beat.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a moderate pace, with Abrumar and Irish Aces likely to push forward.
- Key Contenders: Trikari and Balnikhov appear to be the strongest threats, with Fort Washington as a potential upset candidate.
- Potential Longshot: Signator has shown promise and could surprise with a well-timed move.
