The Jersey Shore Stakes, set for Friday, July 18, 2025, at Monmouth Park, is a $100,000 dirt sprint for 3-year-old colts going 6 furlongs. This black-type stakes race is a key summer test for sprinters looking to build their résumé before stepping into graded company. With a compact but competitive field of six, expect early fireworks and tactical riding to decide the outcome.
Field Overview & Horse-by-Horse Analysis
| Post | Horse | Sire – Dam (Dam Sire) | Jockey | Trainer | Breeder | Morning Line |
| 1 | Gunmetal | Gun Runner – Classy Dancer (Speightstown) | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Andrew N. Warren | 3/1 |
| 2 | Donut God | Into Mischief – Sweet Kisses (Candy Ride) | Samy Camacho | Brian A. Lynch | Aaron & Marie Jones LLC | 2/1 |
| 3 | Fire Pit | Cairo Prince – True Martha (Yes It’s True) | Andy Hernandez | Guadalupe Preciado | Brereton C. Jones | 6/1 |
| 4 | Persisten | Complexity – Diamond Maker (Empire Maker) | Ronald Ordonez | Juan Carlos Avila | St. Simon Place LLC | 15/1 |
| 5 | Neoequos | Neolithic – Bold Birdie (Birdstone) | Samuel Marin | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | Barbazon & Matalona Thoroughbreds | 4/1 |
| 6 | Pedro Nunes | Nyquist – Orbolution (Orb) | Paco Lopez | Jorge Delgado | Hinkle Farms | 8/1 |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Donut God (ML 2/1)
Undefeated in two starts, including a front-running win in the Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
By Into Mischief, North America’s leading sire for speed and class.
Trainer Brian Lynch reports the colt is fresh off a seven-month layoff with a strong work tab.
Gunmetal (ML 3/1)
By Gun Runner, a sire known for producing versatile and durable runners.
Trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux are a Grade 1-winning duo.
Finished 10th in the G1 Woody Stephens, but had a troubled trip and drops in class here.
Neoequos (ML 4/1)
Ran in the Kentucky Derby and G1 Woody Stephens, showing flashes of talent.
By Neolithic, a son of Harlan’s Holiday with stamina and speed.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. excels with cutbacks in distance.
Pedigree Highlights & Breeding Trends
Pedro Nunes (Nyquist) is making his U.S. debut after racing in Ireland; pedigree leans dirt with Orb influence.
Fire Pit (Cairo Prince) is bred for tactical speed and has recent allowance form.
Persisten (Complexity) is a longshot with a pedigree that suggests late development.
Expect a blistering early pace, with Donut God and Gunmetal likely to vie for the lead. Neoequos and Pedro Nunes could benefit from a stalking trip. For Pick 5 or exacta players, Donut God is a logical single, but Gunmetal and Neoequos offer value underneath.
