2025 Kelly’s Landing Stakes (G3) – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Churchill Downs
Race: Race 9
Distance: 6.5 Furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $250,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds & Up
Post Time: 4:58 PM ET
Contenders Breakdown
1. Dr. Venkman
Pedigree: Ghostzapper – Bodacious Babe
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Form: 12/214-2
Analysis: Runner-up in the G3 Triple Bend behind Nysos, showing tactical speed and grit. Ghostzapper adds stamina and class. Dangerous from the rail with a clean break.
2. Three Technique
Pedigree: Mr Speaker – Nite in Rome
Trainer: Jason G. Cook
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Form: 045510-
Analysis: Veteran 8-year-old with back class but hasn’t raced since the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Needs a big effort off the bench.
3. Booth
Pedigree: Mitole – Sophia’s Song
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Erik Asmussen
Form: 4-51111
Analysis: The one to beat. Riding a four-race win streak, including three straight G3 victories. Mitole is a rising sprint sire, and Booth’s tactical speed and consistency make him the likely favorite.
4. Roll On Big Joe
Pedigree: Prospective – Nina’s Gift
Trainer: Robert B. Hess Jr.
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Form: 32-1121
Analysis: Speedy 5-year-old who wired a Churchill allowance field last out. Could press Booth early. Prospective adds durability.
5. Otto the Conqueror
Pedigree: Street Sense – Dream It Is
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Form: 0120-35
Analysis: Stablemate to Booth with early foot, but hasn’t won a stakes since 2023. May serve as a rabbit to soften up the pace.
6. Happy Is a Choice
Pedigree: Runhappy – Fast Alexia
Trainer: John Ortiz
Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez
Form: 11-2433
Analysis: Honest gelding who’s hit the board in three straight. Lacks the brilliance of Booth but could clunk up for a minor share.
7. Red Flag
Pedigree: Tamarkuz – Surrender
Trainer: Robert B. Hess Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Form: 5-16143
Analysis: Former G3 winner as a juvenile. Hasn’t recaptured that form but gets a top rider in Ortiz. Needs a pace collapse.
8. Durante
Pedigree: Distorted Humor – Seahawk Girl
Trainer: David Jacobson
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Form: 5-14331
Analysis: Shocked the field in the G3 Aristides at 33-1. Distorted Humor adds class, and Ortiz returns. Could be overlooked again.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Booth – dominant form, elite connections
Main Rival: Roll On Big Joe – early speed and improving
Value Play: Durante – upset potential with strong closer’s trip
Exacta Box: Booth, Roll On Big Joe, Durante
Trifecta Add-On: Dr. Venkman – consistent and classy
