The Horizon Stakes, set for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Belterra Park, showcases Ohio-bred 3-year-olds in a $75,000 turf route over one mile. This stakes event is a pivotal summer test for local turf specialists and emerging contenders in the Ohio racing circuit.
Field Overview & Horse-by-Horse Analysis
| Post | Horse | Sire – Dam (Dam Sire) | Jockey | Trainer | Breeder | Morning Line |
| 1 | Turf Titan | Big Blue Kitten – Ohio Belle (Langfuhr) | Sonny Leon | Robert Cline | Maple Leaf Farm | 3/1 |
| 2 | Buckeye Bullet | Mshawish – Scarlet Tango (French Deputy) | John McKee | William D. Cowans | Smokin C LLC | 5/2 |
| 3 | Green Governor | Constitution – Emerald Empress (Empire Maker) | Luis Rivera | Michael Evans II | Sheltowee Farm | 4/1 |
| 4 | Lake Erie Light | Tourist – Lightstream (Harlan’s Holiday) | Fernando De La Cruz | Jason DaCosta | DaCosta Racing Stables | 6/1 |
| 5 | Ohio Outlaw | Outwork – Buckeye Beauty (Tale of Ekati) | Albin Jimenez | Tim Hamm | Blazing Meadows Farm | 8/1 |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Buckeye Bullet (ML 5/2)
By Mshawish, a proven turf sire with international credentials.
Trainer William Cowans is lethal with Ohio-breds on grass, boasting a high win percentage in stakes.
Dam Scarlet Tango produced multiple graded stakes winners, adding class to the pedigree.
Turf Titan (ML 3/1)
Sired by Big Blue Kitten, a champion turf router known for stamina.
Jockey Sonny Leon, famous for his 2022 Kentucky Derby win, brings tactical savvy.
Dam Ohio Belle adds local grit and turf adaptability.
Green Governor (ML 4/1)
Constitution offspring are known for versatility and late kick.
Trainer Michael Evans II has a strong record with Sheltowee Farm homebreds.
Dam Emerald Empress adds stamina and turf class.
Pedigree Highlights & Breeding Trends
Lake Erie Light (Tourist) is bred for turf brilliance, with dam Lightstream a multiple graded stakes winner.
Ohio Outlaw (Outwork) may be better suited for dirt, but pedigree suggests potential upside on firm turf.
The field features sires with national and international turf success, signaling Ohio’s growing turf pedigree depth.
Expect a moderate pace with Buckeye Bullet and Ohio Outlaw pressing early. Turf Titan and Green Governor could benefit from a stalking trip, making them ideal for exacta and trifecta plays.
