Race Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Post Time: 9:15 PM CT
Track: Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Race Type: Stakes — $50,000 purse
Distance: 7½ furlongs (Dirt)
Eligibility: Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Field Overview & Morning Line Odds
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Pedigree | Odds |
| 1 | Burrow Down | Mike Taphorn | Ronald Ali | Connect × True Endeavor (by Smart Strike) | 9/5 |
| 2 | Marvelous Lady | Steve Keplin Jr. | Prayven Badrie | Khozan × Sapphire Blue (by Bluegrass Cat) | 10/1 |
| 3 | Jj’s American Diva | Sherri Leanne Laing | Rachaad Knights | American Freedom × Coulee (by Vicar) | 25/1 |
| 4 | Midshipman’s Lady | Jerry Gourneau | Antonio Whitehall | Midshipman × Maebelucky (by Lucky Lionel) | 6/1 |
| 5 | Big Stretch | Lise Pruitt | Dane Dawkins | Mr. Big × Baby Zito (by Unbridled’s Song) | 20/1 |
| 6 | Dynamic Strike | Wendy Anderson | Ciera Pruitt | Danish Dynaformer × Morning Strike (by Smart Strike) | 25/1 |
| 7 | Sophia’s Storm | Steve Keplin Jr. | Sven Balroop | Handsome Mike × Sophia’s Pride (by Proud Citizen) | 7/5 |
| 8 | Baby Gundin | Jerry Gourneau | Mathew Bennett | Oxbow × Minx (by Tapit) | 12/1 |
Pedigree & Performance Insights
Sophia’s Storm — The Form Standout
Sire: Handsome Mike — known for producing gritty sprinters and milers.
Dam: Sophia’s Pride — adds durability and late kick.
Form: Multiple stakes winner; enters off a victory in the La Verendrye Stakes.
Trainer: Steve Keplin Jr. — leading trainer at Assiniboia Downs.
Burrow Down — Classy Challenger
Sire: Connect — son of Curlin, known for stamina and versatility.
Dam: True Endeavor — adds turf and route pedigree.
Form: Runner-up in the La Verendrye Stakes; consistent stakes performer.
Trainer: Mike Taphorn — rising local conditioner.
Midshipman’s Lady — Tactical Speed Threat
Sire: Midshipman — Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner with speed influence.
Form: Stakes-placed; sharp recent workouts.
Jockey: Antonio Whitehall — three-time leading rider at ASD.
Marvelous Lady — Improving Form
Sire: Khozan — Florida-based sire with precocious offspring.
Trainer: Steve Keplin Jr. — also trains Sophia’s Storm.
Form: Lightly raced; eligible to improve with Prayven Badrie aboard.
Baby Gundin — Longshot with Upside
Sire: Oxbow — Preakness winner known for stamina.
Dam: Minx by Tapit — elite pedigree.
Trainer: Jerry Gourneau — veteran trainer with multiple stakes wins.
Jockey & Trainer Highlights
Sven Balroop (Sophia’s Storm): Second in jockey standings with 17 wins.
Prayven Badrie (Marvelous Lady): Leading rider at ASD with 20 wins.
Antonio Whitehall (Midshipman’s Lady): Stakes-seasoned pilot with recent hot streak.
Steve Keplin Jr. (Trainer of Sophia’s Storm & Marvelous Lady): Winning at a 41% clip.
Jerry Gourneau (Trainer of Midshipman’s Lady & Baby Gundin): Multiple stakes wins in 2025.
Top Contenders:
Sophia’s Storm Handsome Mike mare Canada Stakes favorite
Burrow Down Connect pedigree stakes performer
Midshipman’s Lady Antonio Whitehall filly
Value Plays:
Marvelous Lady Khozan filly improving form
Baby Gundin Oxbow mare Tapit bloodline
The 2025 Canada Stakes is shaping up as a showdown between proven stakes winners and rising contenders. Sophia’s Storm enters as the favorite with elite form and connections, but Burrow Down and Midshipman’s Lady bring tactical speed and pedigree depth. With top trainers like Steve Keplin Jr. and Jerry Gourneau and elite jockeys including Prayven Badrie and Antonio Whitehall, this 7½-furlong test promises a thrilling stretch duel.
