The Hoover Stakes, scheduled for Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Belterra Park, features Ohio-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings sprinting 5½ furlongs on dirt for a $75,000 purse. This juvenile showcase is a launching pad for future stars in the Buckeye State, with speed, pedigree, and early maturity all under the microscope.
Field Overview & Horse-by-Horse Analysis
| Post | Horse | Sire – Dam (Dam Sire) | Jockey | Trainer | Breeder | Morning Line |
| 1 | Buckeye Blaze | Flameaway – Ohio Charm (City Zip) | Sonny Leon | Tim Hamm | Blazing Meadows Farm | 5/2 |
| 2 | Rocket Revenue | Runhappy – Fiscal Flyer (Street Boss) | John McKee | Robert Cline | Maple Leaf Farm | 3/1 |
| 3 | Bourbon Buck | Bourbon Courage – Lady Buckeye (Colonel John) | Luis Rivera | William D. Cowans | Smokin C LLC | 4/1 |
| 4 | Ohio Express | Express Train – Scarlet Belle (Bellamy Road) | Albin Jimenez | Jason DaCosta | DaCosta Racing Stables | 6/1 |
| 5 | Fast Track Finn | Fast Anna – Finn’s Fancy (Twirling Candy) | Fernando De La Cruz | Michael Evans II | Sheltowee Farm | 8/1 |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Buckeye Blaze (ML 5/2)
By Flameaway, a precocious sire known for early speed and versatility.
Trainer Tim Hamm is a dominant force in Ohio juvenile stakes, especially with homebreds.
Dam Ohio Charm adds sprinting class and local stamina.
SEO Keywords: Flameaway colt, Ohio-bred juvenile sprint, Belterra Park stakes preview
Rocket Revenue (ML 3/1)
Sired by Runhappy, a record-breaking sprinter with dirt brilliance.
Trainer Robert Cline excels with aggressive pace setups.
Dam Fiscal Flyer brings Street Boss speed and turf adaptability.
Bourbon Buck (ML 4/1)
Bourbon Courage injects grit and late kick into this colt’s profile.
Trainer William Cowans has a sharp eye for value plays in Ohio stakes.
Dam Lady Buckeye is a proven producer of regional winners.
Pedigree Highlights & Breeding Trends
Fast Track Finn (Fast Anna) is bred for blazing early fractions, with Twirling Candy influence adding stretch potential.
Ohio Express (Express Train) is a turf-to-dirt wildcard, with pedigree suggesting stamina and closing ability.
The field reflects a blend of national stallions and Ohio-centric broodmares, signaling a healthy investment in regional bloodlines.
Expect a blistering early pace, with Buckeye Blaze and Rocket Revenue vying for the lead. Bourbon Buck and Ohio Express could benefit from a stalking trip, ideal for exacta and trifecta plays.
