The James W. Murphy Stakes at Pimlico Race Course is a $100,000 stakes race for three-year-olds, contested over one mile on turf. This race often serves as a stepping stone for young turf specialists looking to progress toward graded stakes competition.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Twain (Trainer: Madison F. Meyers | Jockey: Weston Hamilton)
- Pedigree: Kitten’s Joy – Camila Princess
- Recent Form: 1st in a Maiden Special Weight at Laurel Park (April 19, 2025)
- Analysis: A lightly raced colt with strong turf breeding. Needs to prove he can handle the step up in class.
2. Mission Artemis (Trainer: Kevin C. Boniface | Jockey: Jean Gregor Briceno)
- Pedigree: Uncle Lino – Access to the Moon
- Recent Form: 1st in a Claiming race at Laurel Park (April 25, 2025)
- Analysis: Has shown improvement but faces a tougher field here.
3. Clock Tower (Trainer: Wesley A. Ward | Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Hot Stones
- Recent Form: 8th in the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland
- Analysis: A well-bred gelding with graded stakes experience. Needs to rebound from his last effort.
4. Barbadian Runner (Trainer: Henry Walters | Jockey: Forest Boyce)
- Pedigree: Barbados – Quiet Run
- Recent Form: 3rd in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Laurel Park (April 13, 2025)
- Analysis: A consistent performer with local experience. Could be a factor with a well-timed move.
5. End of Romance (IRE) (Trainer: H. Graham Motion | Jockey: John R. Velazquez)
- Pedigree: Showcasing (GB) – Folk Melody (IRE)
- Recent Form: 5th in the Woodhaven Stakes at Aqueduct
- Analysis: A European-bred gelding with turf credentials. Needs to show improvement in U.S. racing.
6. Soleil Volant (Trainer: H. Graham Motion | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Pedigree: Karakontie (JPN) – Valentine Wish
- Recent Form: 3rd in an Allowance race at Laurel Park (April 26, 2025)
- Analysis: A promising turf runner with a strong closing kick. Could be a major player.
7. Reagan’s Wit (Trainer: Cherie DeVaux | Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz)
- Pedigree: Authentic – Dayienu
- Recent Form: 4th in the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland
- Analysis: A well-bred colt with graded stakes experience. Likely to be one of the top contenders.
8. Curahee (Trainer: Brittany T. Russell | Jockey: Luis Saez)
- Pedigree: War of Will – Blameitonthemusic
- Recent Form: 4th in the Black Gold Stakes at Fair Grounds
- Analysis: A solid performer with stakes experience. Needs a strong trip to contend.
9. Stormy Flight (Trainer: Hamilton A. Smith | Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco)
- Pedigree: Get Stormy – Suburb
- Recent Form: 5th in the James F. Lewis III Stakes
- Analysis: A turf-bred gelding trying a route distance for the first time.
10. Studlydoright (Trainer: John J. Robb | Jockey: TBD)
- Pedigree: Nyquist – Peach of a Gal
- Recent Form: 6th in the Federico Tesio Stakes
- Analysis: A talented colt with strong early speed. Needs to prove he can handle stakes competition.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a moderate pace, with Reagan’s Wit and Studlydoright likely to sit near the front.
- Key Contenders: Reagan’s Wit and Soleil Volant appear to be the strongest threats, with End of Romance as a potential upset candidate.
- Potential Longshot: Barbadian Runner has local experience and could surprise with a well-timed move.
