The Lake Hamilton Stakes, a thrilling sprint for horses aged 4 years and older, is set to take place on May 2, 2025, at Oaklawn Park. This six-furlong dirt race offers a $200,000 purse and promises an exciting showdown of speed and stamina.
1. Midnight Pranks
- Jockey: Erik Asmussen
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Owner: Steven Asmussen
- Breeder: Twin Hopes Farm, LLC
- Pedigree: By Into Mischief out of Midnight Girl (by Drosselmeyer).
- Odds: 20/1
- Analysis: Midnight Pranks is a 5-year-old gelding with solid performances in allowance races. While he faces a class test here, his pedigree suggests versatility, and he could surprise with a strong trip.
2. Raymond
- Jockey: Tyler W. Bacon
- Trainer: Timothy E. Martin
- Owner: Cloud Nine Racing Stable LLC
- Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
- Pedigree: By Into Mischief out of Teen Pauline (by Tapit).
- Odds: 8/1
- Analysis: Raymond enters off a sharp win in an allowance optional claiming race at Oaklawn. His pedigree combines speed and stamina, making him a strong contender in this field.
3. Happy American
- Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
- Trainer: David Jacobson
- Owner: David Jacobson
- Breeder: Claiborne Farm
- Pedigree: By Runhappy out of Queen of America (by Quiet American).
- Odds: 10/1
- Analysis: Happy American is a 7-year-old gelding with experience in graded stakes. While he finished fourth in the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3), his pedigree suggests he could bounce back with a strong effort.
4. Ryvit
- Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Owner: L. William and Corinne Heiligbrodt
- Breeder: Curt Leake
- Pedigree: By Competitive Edge out of She Is Bedazzling (by Medaglia d’Oro).
- Odds: 5/1
- Analysis: Ryvit is a consistent performer with a second-place finish in the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3). His pedigree and recent form make him a major player in this field.
5. Durante
- Jockey: Samuel Camacho, Jr.
- Trainer: David Jacobson
- Owner: David Jacobson
- Breeder: William Humphries & Altair Farms LLC
- Pedigree: By Distorted Humor out of Seahawk Girl (by Pioneerof the Nile).
- Odds: 12/1
- Analysis: Durante has been competitive in allowance and stakes races. While he finished fourth in the Eclipse Stakes, his pedigree suggests he could handle the pace of this sprint.
6. Skelly
- Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Owner: Red Lane Thoroughbreds LLC
- Breeder: H. Allen Poindexter
- Pedigree: By Practical Joke out of Adande (by Bwana Charlie).
- Odds: 2/5 (Favorite)
- Analysis: Skelly is the morning-line favorite and a proven sprinter. While he finished 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) last year, his pedigree and connections make him the horse to beat in this field.
Race Outlook
The Lake Hamilton Stakes promises to be a competitive sprint, with Skelly entering as the clear favorite. Ryvit and Raymond are strong challengers, while Happy American and Durante could make an impact with the right trip. Midnight Pranks is a potential longshot to watch, especially if the pace collapses late.
