This $100,000 black-type turf sprint for fillies and mares, 3 years old and up, will be contested over six furlongs on the grass, and serves as a marquee event for Maryland-bred and Maryland-sired turf sprinters.
Race Overview: 2025 Jameela Stakes at Laurel Park
- Race: Jameela Stakes (Race 8)
- Track: Laurel Park
- Surface: Turf
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 3YO & Up (MD-bred or MD-sired)
- Post Time: 3:27 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double
This year’s edition features a deep and competitive field of nine, including Maryland Million Turf Sprint winner Bosserati, multiple stakes-placed Gift of Gab, and rising turf star Lifelovenlaughter. With a blend of early speed and late kickers, this turf dash promises a thrilling finish.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Notable Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alla Breve | Horacio Karamanos | Michael Matz | Mendelssohn – Split It | 5 wins from 12 starts |
| 2 | Hollywood Walk | Mychel Sanchez | Michael Trombetta | Animal Kingdom – Walk of Stars | 4 wins, 6 placings from 18 starts |
| 3 | Next Girl | Denis Araujo | W. Robert Bailes | Divining Rod – Fleet and Fancy | 5 wins from 17 starts |
| 4 | Cut From Class | Jevian Toledo | Caitlin Keil | Blame – Debbie’s Diamond | 4 wins from 19 starts |
| 5 | Bosserati | Sheldon Russell | Brittany Russell | Holy Boss – Candy Striper | 6 wins, including 2024 MD Million Turf Sprint |
| 6 | Lifelovenlaughter | Jorge Ruiz | Michael Trombetta | Lemon Drop Kid – Too Foofoo for You | Won last start at 1 mile |
| 7 | Moonlit Kiss | Larry Reynolds | Timothy Grams | Great Notion – Moonlit Song | 7 wins from 14 starts |
| 8 | Juniper Juice | Jean Briceno | Kevin Boniface | Kobe’s Back – Our Gin Mill | 3 wins from 10 starts |
| 9 | Gift of Gab | Carol Cedeno | Suzanne Stettinius | Fast Anna – World Gone Wrong | 6 wins, 5 seconds from 21 starts |
Top Contenders to Watch
Bosserati (Post 5)
- Trainer: Brittany Russell
- Jockey: Sheldon Russell
- Recent Win: The Very One Stakes at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan Day
- Analysis: The 5-year-old mare is in peak form, having wired a tough field last out. She’s a Laurel turf specialist and will be tough to catch if she clears early.
Lifelovenlaughter (Post 6)
- Trainer: Michael Trombetta
- Jockey: Jorge Ruiz
- Recent Win: 1-mile turf allowance at Laurel
- Analysis: Versatile and improving, she cuts back in distance but has shown tactical speed. A strong closer with a sharp turn of foot.
Gift of Gab (Post 9)
- Trainer: Suzanne Stettinius
- Jockey: Carol Cedeno
- Recent Win: Delaware Park turf sprint
- Analysis: Consistent and classy, she’s hit the board in 14 of 21 starts. Wide draw may be a challenge, but she’s a reliable closer.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Next Girl (Post 3): Second to Lifelovenlaughter last out; could improve with a better trip.
- Moonlit Kiss (Post 7): 7-for-14 lifetime; sneaky good form and a strong trainer-jockey combo.
- Hollywood Walk (Post 2): Classy 6YO mare with a 67% in-the-money rate; don’t overlook.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Pace Projection: Fast. Bosserati, Juniper Juice, and Cut From Class likely to vie for the early lead.
- Closers: Lifelovenlaughter, Gift of Gab, and Next Girl will look to capitalize late.
- Key Matchup: Bosserati vs Lifelovenlaughter – front-end speed vs tactical closer.
Projected Order of Finish
- Bosserati
- Lifelovenlaughter
- Gift of Gab
- Next Girl
- Moonlit Kiss
