The Jack Cole Stakes, a $86,000 stakes race, is set to take place on May 3, 2025, at Sunray Park. This 6 ½-furlong dirt sprint features a competitive field of New Mexico-bred thoroughbreds, each vying for victory in this prestigious event.
Race Details
- Track: Sunray Park
- Distance: 6 ½ furlongs (Dirt)
- Purse: $86,000
- Age Eligibility: 3-year-olds & up
- Post Time: 5:20 PM MT
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Marking Canyon (USA) – Marking x Stormy Canyon
- Trainer: Leroy A. Fincher
- Jockey: Aldo Arboleda
- Owner: Leroy A. and Maureen S. Fincher
- Age: 4YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Consistent performer, looking to break through in stakes competition.
2. First Again (USA) – Axiomatic x Mia’s First
- Trainer: Danny Morales
- Jockey: Miguel A. Perez
- Owner: Larry E. Young
- Age: 5YO Mare
- Recent Form: Winner of the Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap on April 20, proving her ability at Sunray Park.
3. Higher Ed (USA) – Sporting Chance x African Heat
- Trainer: Todd W. Fincher
- Jockey: Irwin J. Rosendo
- Owner: J. Kirk Robison & Judy Robison
- Age: 4YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Morning line favorite (3-1), five-time winner from 10 career outings, including a dominant victory in last year’s Kendrick Stakes.
4. Antonios Mark (USA) – Marking x Bekat Bekat
- Trainer: Dallas J. Barton
- Jockey: Alejandro Medellin
- Owner: Andy A. Banegas
- Age: 5YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Looking to improve after mid-pack finishes in recent outings.
5. Storm Leader (USA) – Attila’s Storm x Our Flying Angel
- Trainer: Carlos Acosta Jr.
- Jockey: Luis Ramon Rodriguez
- Owner: Karina Gonzalez
- Age: 5YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Has shown flashes of speed but needs a breakout performance.
6. Leave Them Behind (USA) – Attila’s Storm x Ivy Gimlet
- Trainer: Sherry Armstrong
- Jockey: Enrique Portillo Gomez
- Owner: Permian Land Resources, LLC & Morgan Cox
- Age: 5YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Second choice on the morning line (4-1), has finished no worse than second in his last six starts, including a runner-up effort in the Mt. Cristo Rey Stakes.
7. Risky Revenge (USA) – Laugh Track x Stormy Peg
- Trainer: Joel J. Gonzales
- Jockey: Tracy J. Hebert
- Owner: Sebastian Gonzales
- Age: 8YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Veteran runner, looking to regain form.
8. Probate Pro (USA) – Prado x Aquarellist
- Trainer: Alberto Amparan
- Jockey: Francisco Amparan
- Owner: Alberto Amparan
- Age: 8YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Experienced competitor, aiming for a strong finish.
9. Massive Roar (USA) – Sway Away x Kiki Chacer
- Trainer: Todd W. Fincher
- Jockey: Kelsi Purcell
- Owner: The Quarter Company LLC
- Age: 6YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Looking to win the Jack Cole Stakes for the third consecutive year, but is winless in two starts this season.
10. Ar Ya Weegee (USA) – To Teras x Silver Stairs
- Trainer: Gary W. Cross
- Jockey: Felipe Valdez
- Owner: Maurcenia Cross & Gary Cross
- Age: 5YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Mid-pack finisher, looking for improvement.
Also Eligible:
- 11. Diabolical Fire (USA) – Attila’s Storm x Diabolical Dame
- Trainer: Taurino Gutierrez
- Jockey: Miguel A. Perez
- Owner: Cesar Mendoza
- Age: 5YO Gelding
- Recent Form: Needs a scratch to enter the field.
Race Analysis & Predictions
Top Contenders:
- Higher Ed (3-1 odds) – Last year’s Kendrick Stakes winner, proven at Sunray Park.
- Leave Them Behind (4-1 odds) – Consistent performer, finishing no worse than second in his last six starts.
- Massive Roar (8-1 odds) – Two-time defending champion, looking to reclaim his dominance.
Dark Horses:
- First Again (8-1 odds) – Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap winner, could surprise.
- Storm Leader (10-1 odds) – Has shown flashes of speed, needs a breakout performance.
