The Grade III Giant’s Causeway Stakes at Keeneland Park promises to be an electrifying turf sprint, featuring a competitive field of fillies and mares.
Race Overview
- Event: Giant’s Causeway Stakes (Grade III)
- Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
- Time: 4:44 PM ET
- Location: Keeneland Park, Lexington, Kentucky
- Distance: 5 1/2 furlongs on turf
- Purse: $350,000
- Eligibility: Fillies and mares, three years old and upward.
This race is a highlight of Keeneland’s spring meet, showcasing speed and precision on the turf. With a field of 10 talented contenders, the stakes are high for this prestigious sprint.
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees
- B G Warrior
- Jockey: Alex Achard
- Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
- Pedigree: Sired by Run Away and Hide out of Biogio’s Gift.
- Owner: Hat Creek Racing.
- Analysis: A consistent performer with tactical speed, B G Warrior could be a factor in the early pace.
- Toupie
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: H. Graham Motion
- Pedigree: Sired by Uncle Mo out of Amertume.
- Owner: Wertheimer and Frere.
- Analysis: A stakes winner with a strong closing kick, Toupie is a serious contender.
- Lithe Spirit
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Sired by Speightstown out of Spooky Woods.
- Owner: Bradley Thoroughbreds and partners.
- Analysis: Known for her versatility, Lithe Spirit has the ability to adapt to various race scenarios.
- Future Is Now
- Jockey: Paco Lopez
- Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta
- Pedigree: Sired by Great Notion out of Past as Prelude.
- Owner: The Estate of R. Larry Johnson.
- Analysis: The favorite, Future Is Now, is a multiple stakes winner with a proven record on turf sprints.
- Awesome Treat
- Jockey: Sophie Doyle
- Trainer: Justin Wojczynski
- Pedigree: Sired by Awesome Patriot out of Tiz a Treat.
- Owner: Kumud S. and Rakesh S. Sikand.
- Analysis: A veteran mare with experience, Awesome Treat will need to bring her best to compete.
- Danse Macabre
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Pedigree: Sired by Army Mule out of Sylphide.
- Owner: NBS Stable and Elements Racing.
- Analysis: A versatile mare with multiple stakes wins, Danse Macabre is a strong contender.
- Pandora’s Gift
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Pedigree: Sired by Churchill out of Amthaal.
- Owner: LSU Stables.
- Analysis: Making her debut for a new trainer, Pandora’s Gift has the potential to surprise.
- Accomplished Girl
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Sired by Street Boss out of Dazzle.
- Owner: Gentry Farms.
- Analysis: A consistent performer with a strong pedigree, Accomplished Girl is a contender.
- Get Twisted
- Jockey: Santo Sanjur
- Trainer: Anna Navarrete
- Pedigree: Sired by Get Stormy out of Bird Swing.
- Owner: Chester J. Miller.
- Analysis: A longshot with potential to improve, Get Twisted will need a career-best effort.
- Just a Care
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez
- Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
- Pedigree: Sired by Australia out of Greater Good.
- Owner: Victoriam Farm.
- Analysis: A mare with international experience, Just a Care could be a wildcard in this field.
Race Dynamics
The Giant’s Causeway Stakes is expected to be a fast-paced race, with several front-runners and closers in the field. The 5 1/2-furlong distance on turf demands both speed and stamina, making jockey tactics and positioning crucial. Horses like Future Is Now and Danse Macabre are likely to vie for the lead, while closers like Toupie and Pandora’s Gift will look to capitalize in the stretch.
