The Grade III Shawnee Stakes, a high-profile race for fillies and mares, returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as part of Stephen Foster Preview Day. This 1 1/16-mile dirt race features a $275,000 purse and serves as a prep for the Grade II Fleur de Lis Stakes on June 28.
Race Overview
- Event: 2025 Shawnee Stakes (Grade III)
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt)
- Purse: $275,000
- Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 4 Years Old & Up
- Post Time: 4:23 PM ET
Top Contenders & Pedigrees
| Horse | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gin Gin | Hightail | Brendan Walsh | Jose Ortiz | 3/1 |
| Hoosier Philly | Into Mischief | Tom Amoss | Edgar Morales | 4/1 |
| Royal Spa | Violence | Rodolphe Brisset | Flavien Prat | 5/1 |
| Free Like a Girl | El Deal | Chasey Deville Pomier | Julien Leparoux | 6/1 |
| Alpine Princess | Classic Empire | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 8/1 |
| Where’s My Ring | Twirling Candy | Peter Miller | Luis Saez | 10/1 |
| Corningstone | Kantharos | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 12/1 |
| Wild Bout Hilary | Midnight Lute | Tanner Tracy | C.J. McMahon | 15/1 |
| In Just My Heels | Midnight Lute | Ron Moquett | Joel Rosario | 15/1 |
Key Horses to Watch
- Gin Gin (Hightail) – Trained by Brendan Walsh, this filly shocked the field with a 38-1 upset victory in the Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland.
- Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) – A consistent performer, trained by Tom Amoss, looking to rebound after a tough loss in the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1).
- Royal Spa (Violence) – Trained by Rodolphe Brisset, this filly won the $100,000 Heavenly Cause Stakes at Laurel Park, showing strong closing speed.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Analysis: Expect Hoosier Philly and Free Like a Girl to set the early pace, while Gin Gin and Royal Spa will look to close late.
- Track Conditions: With fast dirt expected, front-runners may have an advantage.
- Best Bet: Gin Gin (3/1) – Proven stakes-winning ability and strong recent form make her the top contender.
How to Watch & Wager
- TV Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
- Streaming: TwinSpires, DRF Bets
- Post Time: 4:23 PM ET
