This $75,000 state-bred stakes for Iowa-bred colts and geldings aged 3 and up will be contested over six furlongs on dirt, and features a deep field of eight with a mix of seasoned stakes winners and rising local sprinters.
Race Overview: 2025 John Wayne Stakes at Prairie Meadows
- Race: John Wayne Stakes (Race 9)
- Track: Prairie Meadows
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $75,000
- Eligibility: Iowa-bred 3YO & Up, Colts & Geldings
- Post Time: 9:26 PM CT
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 3
This year’s edition is headlined by Wildatlanticstorm, a former Remington Park stakes winner, and Our Last Chance, the defending champion who returns in top form. With multiple front-runners and deep closers, this sprint promises a fast pace and a thrilling finish.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockin the Dad Bod | Alex Birzer | Bonnie Birzer | Dads Caps – Cagey Girl | 121 lbs |
| 2 | Dawson’s Storm | Kylee R. Jordan | Brandi Jo Fett | Mshawish – My Love Venezuela | 123 lbs |
| 3 | Palace Guard | Ken Tohill | Tyrone Gleason | Palace Malice – Addy Annie | 123 lbs |
| 4 | Wearacap | Glenn Corbett | Tom Wellington | Formidable – Addedup Nicely | 123 lbs |
| 5 | Big Luke | Kevin Roman | Kelly Von Hemel | Tapiture – Warmhearted Sandy | 119 lbs |
| 6 | Wildatlanticstorm | Elvin Gonzalez | H. Ray Ashford Jr. | Stormy Atlantic – Imsortaspecial | 123 lbs |
| 7 | Our Last Chance | Walter De La Cruz | Doug Anderson | Midshipman – Abc Me Win | 123 lbs |
| 8 | Mollies Rocket | Kylie Wellington | Tom Wellington | Rock the Rock (IRE) – Oh Lovely | 119 lbs |
Top Contenders to Watch
Our Last Chance (Post 7)
- Trainer: Doug Anderson
- Jockey: Walter De La Cruz
- Form: Defending champion; 5 wins from 16 starts
- Analysis: The 7-year-old gelding by Midshipman won this race in 2023 with a powerful stretch run. He’s fresh and sharp, and his tactical speed makes him a major threat to repeat.
Wildatlanticstorm (Post 6)
- Trainer: H. Ray Ashford Jr.
- Jockey: Elvin Gonzalez
- Form: Winner of the $400K Springboard Mile at 2
- Analysis: The class of the field, this son of Stormy Atlantic has faced open company and returns to Iowa-bred stakes. If he breaks cleanly, he could dominate on the front end.
Palace Guard (Post 3)
- Trainer: Tyrone Gleason
- Jockey: Ken Tohill
- Form: Multiple allowance wins at Prairie Meadows
- Analysis: A consistent 5YO gelding by Palace Malice, he’s a grinder who could pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Big Luke (Post 5): Lightest weight in the field and improving. Could surprise with a stalking trip.
- Dawson’s Storm (Post 2): Has early speed and could hang on for a share if the pace isn’t too hot.
- Mollies Rocket (Post 8): Veteran with 8 wins lifetime; needs a career-best effort but draws well outside.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Fast. Wildatlanticstorm, Dawson’s Storm, and Wearacap all have early foot.
- Closers: Our Last Chance and Palace Guard will look to pounce late.
- Key Matchup: Wildatlanticstorm vs Our Last Chance – class vs experience.
Projected Order of Finish
- Our Last Chance
- Wildatlanticstorm
- Palace Guard
- Big Luke
- Dawson’s Storm
