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.)
Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Notable |
Red River Rebel | Neville Knight | Lyle Magnuson | Giant Gizmo | Proven stayer; 2nd in 2024 Marathon Final |
Prairie Monarch | Dane Nelson | Greg Tracy | Animal Kingdom | Long-distance pedigree; improving form |
Northern Legend | Ricardo Zenteno | Joan Petrowski | Signature Red | 3-time winner at Evergreen; consistent |
Whiskey Sunrise | Shamaree Muir | Shelley Brown | Whiskey Wisdom | Veteran with 9 wins; excels at 1 mile+ |
Alberta Titan | Keishan Nicholls | Dale Saunders | Silent Name (JPN) | Lightly raced 4YO; bred for stamina |
Gold Dust Trail | Chris Husbands | Tim Rycroft | Goldencents | Speedy 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