The Lyphard Stakes at Penn National Race Course is set to showcase a competitive field of fillies and mares aged three and up, battling over 1 1/16 miles on turf for a $75,000 purse. This stakes race is named after Lyphard, the legendary French-bred Thoroughbred known for his exceptional speed and influence in breeding.
Race Details
Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Venue: Penn National Race Course, Grantville, PA
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Purse: $75,000
Field Overview – Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Getaway Palace (Stormin’ Taffy) – Jockey: Dexter Haddock | Trainer: Ruperto A. Perez
Pedigree: Sired by Palace, known for producing speed-oriented turf runners.
Recent Form: Consistent performer with top-three finishes in her last four starts.
Strengths: Tactical speed and ability to handle firm turf conditions.
2. Stern Chaser (Mysterious Ways) – Jockey: Jose Daniel Ruiz | Trainer: Michael R. Matz
Pedigree: By Astern (AUS), a sire known for producing strong closers.
Recent Form: Has shown late acceleration in previous races, making her a threat in deep stretch.
Strengths: Strong finishing kick and proven stamina at this distance.
3. Nature’s Candy (Easter Blossom) – Jockey: Andy Hernandez | Trainer: Hugo O. Padilla
Pedigree: Sired by Uncle Lino, known for producing versatile turf runners.
Recent Form: Coming off a win in an allowance race, showing improved speed figures.
Strengths: Tactical versatility and ability to adapt to different pace scenarios.
4. Dancing Chime (Outlaw Dancer) – Jockey: Inoel Beato | Trainer: Konstantinos Harigeorgiou
Pedigree: By Hoppertunity, a sire known for producing durable distance runners.
Recent Form: Has struggled in graded stakes company, but excels in restricted stakes races.
Strengths: Experience at Penn National and ability to handle softer turf conditions.
5. Corinna (Midnight Ramble) – Jockey: Axel Concepcion | Trainer: Michael R. Matz
Pedigree: By Point of Entry, a sire known for producing elite turf specialists.
Recent Form: Has placed in multiple stakes races, showing consistency at this level.
Strengths: Strong pedigree for long-distance turf racing.
6. Jeanne Marie (Bouquet of Gold) – Jockey: Eliseo Ruiz | Trainer: Robert E. Reid Jr.
Pedigree: By Speightster, known for producing speed-oriented turf runners.
Recent Form: Has struggled in graded stakes company, but excels in restricted stakes races.
Strengths: Tactical speed and ability to handle firm turf conditions.
Race Strategy & Key Matchups
Pace Projection: Expect Getaway Palace and Dancing Chime to set the early pace, while Stern Chaser and Nature’s Candy will look to close late.
Turf Conditions: The firm turf at Penn National favors speed-oriented runners, giving an edge to Jeanne Marie and Getaway Palace.
Late Kick: Stern Chaser and Corinna have the strongest closing ability, making them dangerous in the final furlong.
Opening Odds:
Getaway Palace (3-1)
Stern Chaser (4-1)
Nature’s Candy (5-1)
Dancing Chime (6-1)
Corinna (7-1)
Jeanne Marie (8-1)
Prediction: Stern Chaser to win, Nature’s Candy to place, Getaway Palace to show.
