The Jersey Derby returns to Monmouth Park on Saturday, May 31, 2025, featuring a competitive field of three-year-old thoroughbreds battling over one mile on turf for a $100,000 purse. With a rich history dating back to 1942, this race has seen past winners such as Triple Crown champion Citation and Spend A Buck, who famously skipped the Preakness Stakes in 1985 to claim a record-breaking bonus.
Race Details
- Event: Jersey Derby
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: 4:18 PM ET
- Location: Monmouth Park, Oceanport, NJ
- Distance: One Mile
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligibility: Three-year-olds
Field Analysis – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Candytown (5/2)
- Jockey: Paco Lopez
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Owner: Calumet Farm
- Breeder: Calumet Farm
- Pedigree: Speightstown – Candymakesmesmile
Candytown enters as a top contender, boasting strong turf pedigree from Speightstown, a proven sire of turf sprinters. With Paco Lopez aboard, expect aggressive positioning early.
2. Outrunner (6/1)
- Jockey: Sonny Leon
- Trainer: Jorge Duarte Jr.
- Owner: Colts Neck Stables LLC
- Breeder: Dixiana Farms LLC
- Pedigree: American Pharoah – Gale Force
Outrunner’s American Pharoah lineage suggests stamina and versatility, making him a dangerous late closer. Sonny Leon, known for patient rides, could time his move perfectly.
3. Barbadian Runner (8/1)
- Jockey: TBD
- Trainer: Henry Walters
- Owner: AJ Will Win Stables LLC
- Breeder: Shamrock Farm
- Pedigree: Barbados – Quiet Run
A longshot, Barbadian Runner has solid turf breeding but lacks experience at this level. His closing speed could be a factor if the pace collapses.
4. Quizler (10/1)
- Jockey: Isaac Castillo
- Trainer: Kelly Breen
- Owner: Richard Malouf
- Breeder: SCF, Inc.
- Pedigree: Curlin’s Honor – Imperial Code
Quizler’s Curlin’s Honor bloodline suggests late acceleration, making him a potential upset candidate. Expect him to settle mid-pack before making a move.
5. Dream On (3/1)
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Owner: D.J. Stable LLC
- Breeder: Aaron & Marie Jones LLC
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Mamma Kimbo
Dream On is a strong contender, with Not This Time’s proven stamina and Javier Castellano’s tactical expertise. He’ll likely press the pace early.
6. Landman Friday (12/1)
- Jockey: Jorge A. Vargas Jr.
- Trainer: Danny Gargan
- Owner: CSLR Racing Partners LLC
- Breeder: Grassroots Training and Sales LLC
- Pedigree: Neolithic – Harbor Sunset
Landman Friday has solid turf credentials but needs a perfect trip to contend. Expect him to track the leaders before making a late bid.
7. Uncatalyzed (GB) (7/2)
- Jockey: Dylan Davis
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
- Breeder: Al Wasmiyah Farm
- Pedigree: Kingman (GB) – Queen’s Code (IRE)
A European-bred turf specialist, Uncatalyzed (GB) has exceptional closing speed. With Chad Brown’s expertise, he’s a major threat in the final furlong.
8. Cool Intentions (AE) (15/1)
- Jockey: Jeiron Barbosa
- Trainer: Jorge Delgado
- Owner: AMO Racing USA
- Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
- Pedigree: Authentic – Intentional Cry
Cool Intentions is main track only, meaning he’ll only run if the race moves off turf. His Authentic bloodline favors dirt racing.
Race Strategy & Predictions
Likely Race Scenario
- Dream On and Candytown will likely set the early pace, pushing the field into a fast opening quarter.
- Uncatalyzed (GB) and Outrunner will stalk the leaders, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
- Quizler and Landman Friday could close late, especially if the frontrunners tire.
Predicted Finish
- Uncatalyzed (GB) – European turf pedigree gives him the edge.
- Dream On – Tactical speed keeps him in contention.
- Candytown – Early pace could hold up for a top-three finish.
- Outrunner – Late acceleration makes him a strong closer.
- Quizler – Could surprise if the pace collapses.
Best Bets
- Win Bet: Uncatalyzed (GB) (7/2)
- Exacta Box: Uncatalyzed (GB) / Dream On / Candytown
- Trifecta: Uncatalyzed (GB) / Dream On / Outrunner
