2025 Inaugural Stakes – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Wyoming Downs
Race: Race 10
Distance: 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $22,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds & Up
Post Time: 4:45 PM MT
Contenders Breakdown
1. Quicktrip Van (CO)
Pedigree: Zip Quik – Blissful Trip (Trippi)
Trainer: R. Vicchrilli
Jockey: A. B. Ramos
Form: 6YO gelding with tactical speed
Analysis: Colorado-bred with a solid local record. Zip Quik adds sprint speed, and the rail draw could help him control the pace. A live longshot with upside.
2. Kona Skye (CA)
Pedigree: U S Ranger – Squeeze Me Tight (Golden Missile)
Trainer: T. Hadley
Jockey: J. R. Ironeyes
Form: 8YO gelding with multiple wins at this level
Analysis: Veteran with a strong late kick. U S Ranger adds turf and dirt versatility. Could be flying late if the pace is hot.
3. Big Coupe (CA)
Pedigree: Lakerville – Margot Machance (GB) (Creachadoir (IRE))
Trainer: W. R. Whitehouse
Jockey: M. Arana
Form: Longshot with limited recent form
Analysis: Faces a class test here. Lakerville adds turf influence, but he’ll need a career-best to hit the board.
4. Cowboy Cliff (ID)
Pedigree: One Union – Cowgirl Julie (Saleek)
Trainer: W. D. Green
Jockey: J. Virgen
Form: 11YO gelding with 8 career wins
Analysis: Iron horse with local experience. One Union adds sprint stamina. Could surprise if he gets a clean trip.
5. Defense Wins (KY)
Pedigree: Flatter – Deb’s Charm (Silver Charm)
Trainer: K. D. McKinney
Jockey: D. Aguilar
Form: 8YO gelding with back class
Analysis: Kentucky-bred with graded stakes experience early in his career. Flatter adds class and durability. A wildcard if he finds old form.
6. Sunrise Mischief (CA)
Pedigree: Curlin to Mischief – Pleasing Sunrise (Speightstown)
Trainer: S. Story
Jockey: N. Teeter
Form: 4YO gelding in sharp form
Analysis: The morning-line favorite. Curlin to Mischief is producing fast, durable runners. Tactical speed and recent wins make him the one to beat.
7. Prayer of Jabez (CA)
Pedigree: Stanford – Alwazabridesmaid (Kafwain)
Trainer: E. J. Kereluk
Jockey: L. A. Valenzuela
Form: 6YO gelding with consistent speed figures
Analysis: Stakes-placed and always in the mix. Stanford adds sprint brilliance. Could press the pace and hang on for a share.
8. Holy Hank (NM)
Pedigree: Holy Lute – City Veil (Gotham City)
Trainer: S. J. Buechler
Jockey: F. Amparan
Form: 3YO facing older
Analysis: Lightly raced and improving. Holy Lute adds turf and sprint versatility. Faces a tough field but could surprise with a stalking trip.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Sunrise Mischief – sharp form, strong pedigree
Main Rival: Prayer of Jabez – consistent and well-drawn
Value Play: Kona Skye – late kick and veteran savvy
Exacta Box: Sunrise Mischief, Prayer of Jabez, Kona Skye
Trifecta Add-On: Quicktrip Van – rail draw and local edge
