Race Overview
The Grade III Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes is set to take place at Churchill Downs on June 1, 2025, featuring a competitive field of 11 fillies and mares aged four and up. This $250,000 turf race covers 1 1/16 miles, attracting top contenders from across the country.
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Serene Seraph (IRE) – 15/1
- Pedigree: Blue Point (IRE) x Pacific Angel (IRE)
- Trainer: William I. Mott
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Owner: Wathnan Racing
- Analysis: A lightly raced Irish-bred filly with strong turf lineage, Serene Seraph will need to improve her closing speed to contend with this field.
2. Movin’ On Up – 7/2
- Pedigree: Accelerate x Stifle Yourself
- Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori
- Owner: Kenneth L. Ramsey
- Analysis: A Grade III winner, Movin’ On Up has shown consistent speed figures and will be a major threat if she secures a good early position.
3. Venencia (FR) – 12/1
- Pedigree: Recoletos (FR) x Sign of Life
- Trainer: Chad C. Brown
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Owner: Bradley Thoroughbreds, Laura Leigh Stable, Jim Cone, Belmar Racing, Team Hanley, Cambron Equine
- Analysis: A French-bred mare with strong turf credentials, Venencia has the stamina to close late but will need a fast pace upfront to maximize her chances.
4. Duvet Day (IRE) – 10/1
- Pedigree: Starspangledbanner (AUS) x Je T’Adore (IRE)
- Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
- Jockey: Florent Geroux
- Owner: Jane Bacharach, William DeBurgh, Richard Schatz
- Analysis: Making her 6-year-old debut, Duvet Day is a proven stakes winner with strong Churchill Downs form, making her a dangerous contender.
5. Adrasteia – 12/1
- Pedigree: Speightster x Arrostos
- Trainer: Fergus Bogle
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Owner: Fergus Bogle
- Analysis: A late-running filly, Adrasteia will need a fast pace to be effective, but her turf pedigree suggests she could surprise.
6. Neon Icon – 20/1
- Pedigree: Arrogate x Mademoiselle Coco
- Trainer: George R. Arnold II
- Jockey: Edgar Morales
- Owner: Glenn Bromagen II, Michael Dahir
- Analysis: A longshot with potential, Neon Icon has struggled against graded stakes competition but could improve with a ground-saving trip.
7. Gavea (GER) – 20/1
- Pedigree: Gleneagles (IRE) x Goiania (GB)
- Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
- Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
- Owner: Bal Mar Equine, LLC
- Analysis: A German-bred filly with solid European turf form, Gavea will need to adapt to Churchill Downs to be competitive.
8. Pin Up Betty – 5/1
- Pedigree: Constitution x I’m Betty G
- Trainer: Michael J. Maker
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Owner: Three Diamonds Farm
- Analysis: A Grade III winner, Pin Up Betty finished second in the Longines Distaff Turf Mile on Kentucky Derby Day and is a major contender.
9. Charlene’s Dream – 9/2
- Pedigree: Qurbaan x Clara Kelly
- Trainer: Ed Moger, Jr.
- Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
- Owner: Domeyko Taylor, LP
- Analysis: Seeking her second consecutive graded stakes win, Charlene’s Dream is a dangerous closer with proven Churchill Downs form.
10. No Mo Candy – 5/1
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo x Sweet
- Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Owner: Niall J. Brennan, Michael J. Ryan
- Analysis: A daughter of Uncle Mo, No Mo Candy has strong speed figures and could be a major factor if she secures a good stalking position.
11. Deep Satin – 4/1
- Pedigree: American Pharoah x Take the Ribbon
- Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Owner: John D. Gunther, Eurowest Bloodstock Services
- Analysis: A well-bred filly, Deep Satin has strong closing speed and is expected to be one of the top finishers.
Race Prediction & Betting Insights
- Top Contenders: Pin Up Betty, Charlene’s Dream, Deep Satin
- Best Longshot Play: Duvet Day (IRE)
- Projected Winner: Pin Up Betty – She has proven graded stakes form, a strong jockey-trainer combination, and excellent Churchill Downs experience.
