Thursday, July 17, 2025
Mikey Balhan Sports

Horse Race Preview: Marathon Series Stakes at Evergreen Park

Race Overview

Track: Evergreen Park (J.D.A. Raceway, Grande Prairie, Alberta)

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Post Time: 1:15 PM MT (Race 6, estimated)

Distance: 1 ⅜ Miles (11 Furlongs, Dirt)

Purse: C$15,000

Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds & Upward

Series: Part of the Evergreen Park Long-Distance Series

The Marathon Series Stakes is one of the few true stamina tests on the Alberta “B” circuit. Designed for distance specialists, this 11-furlong dirt route rewards tactical patience, deep reserves of stamina, and experienced horsemanship. The 2025 edition features a mix of seasoned routers, local fan favorites, and a few up-and-coming stayers.

Projected Field & Analysis

(Note: Official entries are pending; this preview is based on recent form, nominations, and regional trends.)

HorseJockeyTrainerSireNotable
Red River RebelNeville KnightLyle MagnusonGiant GizmoProven stayer; 2nd in 2024 Marathon Final
Prairie MonarchDane NelsonGreg TracyAnimal KingdomLong-distance pedigree; improving form
Northern LegendRicardo ZentenoJoan PetrowskiSignature Red3-time winner at Evergreen; consistent
Whiskey SunriseShamaree MuirShelley BrownWhiskey WisdomVeteran with 9 wins; excels at 1 mile+
Alberta TitanKeishan NichollsDale SaundersSilent Name (JPN)Lightly raced 4YO; bred for stamina
Gold Dust TrailChris HusbandsTim RycroftGoldencentsSpeedy type trying longer distance

Top Contenders to Watch

Red River Rebel

Trainer: Lyle Magnuson

Jockey: Neville Knight

Pedigree: Giant Gizmo × River Lass

Why He’s Dangerous: Finished second in last year’s Marathon Series Final; proven at the distance and thrives on Evergreen’s deep surface.

Prairie Monarch

Trainer: Greg Tracy

Jockey: Dane Nelson

Pedigree: Animal Kingdom × Prairie Jewel

Why He’s Dangerous: Bred for stamina and improving with each start; could peak at the right time.

Northern Legend

Trainer: Joan Petrowski

Jockey: Ricardo Zenteno

Pedigree: Signature Red × Northern Light

Why He’s Dangerous: Consistent performer with strong local form; always in the mix at Evergreen.

Pedigree Highlights

Giant Gizmo, sire of Red River Rebel, is known for producing durable routers with late kick.

Animal Kingdom, sire of Prairie Monarch, won the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup—elite stamina influence.

Whiskey Wisdom, sire of Whiskey Sunrise, adds toughness and longevity to his progeny.

Silent Name (JPN), sire of Alberta Titan, is a versatile stallion with success on turf and dirt over extended distances.

Trainer & Jockey Insights

Greg Tracy is a master at conditioning route horses and has a strong record in Alberta stakes.

Lyle Magnuson is a respected local trainer with a knack for getting the most out of older horses.

Dane Nelson and Neville Knight are two of the most experienced riders on the Alberta circuit, especially in route races.

Expect Gold Dust Trail to set the early fractions, with Red River Rebel and Northern Legend tracking closely. If the pace is honest, Prairie Monarch could close late. However, Red River Rebel has the experience and stamina to outlast them all.

Top 3 Picks:
Red River Rebel
Prairie Monarch
Northern Legend
Longshot to Watch: Alberta Titan – bred to improve with distance and maturity

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