The Monroe Stakes, a $75,000 turf race for fillies and mares aged 3 years and older, is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This 1 1/16-mile contest on the turf promises an exciting showdown among a competitive field of 11 contenders.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Time: 5:09 PM ET
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (8.5 furlongs)
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: $75,000
- Eligibility: Fillies and mares, 3 years old and up
Contenders Overview
1. Swoonatra
- Pedigree: Paynter x Ol’ Blue Eyes
- Trainer: Fernando Abreu
- Jockey: Luca Panici
- Analysis: Swoonatra enters the Monroe Stakes following a strong second-place finish at Gulfstream in March. Her pedigree suggests stamina, and Panici’s experience on turf could give her an edge.
2. De Regreso
- Pedigree: Audible x Texas Gem
- Trainer: Antonio Sano
- Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez
- Analysis: De Regreso struggled in her last outing at the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G2), finishing 11th. However, her pedigree and Sano’s expertise make her a potential rebound candidate.
3. Pursuit of Liberty
- Pedigree: Constitution x Media Madness
- Trainer: Nolan Ramsey
- Jockey: Jose E. Morelos
- Analysis: Pursuit of Liberty has been inconsistent, but her pedigree suggests she could thrive at this distance. Morelos will need to position her well early to maximize her chances.
4. Sensitivity
- Pedigree: Street Sense x Froyo Star
- Trainer: Antonio Sano
- Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
- Analysis: Sensitivity is coming off a win in an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream earlier this month. Her recent form and Maragh’s tactical riding make her a strong contender.
5. Dancing N Dixie
- Pedigree: Neolithic x Foolhearted Woman
- Trainer: Mark E. Casse
- Jockey: Joe Bravo
- Analysis: Dancing N Dixie has struggled in graded stakes but could benefit from the class drop. Bravo’s skill on turf adds to her appeal.
6. Life’s an Audible
- Pedigree: Audible x Catkins
- Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
- Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas
- Analysis: Life’s an Audible has shown flashes of brilliance but finished ninth in the Honey Fox Stakes (G3). Pletcher’s training expertise and Zayas’ familiarity with Gulfstream could lead to improvement.
7. Breath Away (GB)
- Pedigree: Bated Breath (GB) x Darling Grace (GB)
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Paco Lopez
- Analysis: Breath Away has been consistent, finishing third in the Sand Springs Stakes. Her pedigree and Clement’s turf success make her a serious contender.
8. Starship Agenda
- Pedigree: Always Dreaming x Byrama (GB)
- Trainer: Steven Dwoskin
- Jockey: Leonel Reyes
- Analysis: Starship Agenda is coming off a win in an allowance race at Gulfstream. Her recent form and Reyes’ aggressive riding style could make her a sleeper pick.
9. Ozara (IRE)
- Pedigree: Lope de Vega (IRE) x Cercle d’Or (IRE)
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
- Analysis: Ozara has struggled in graded stakes but could benefit from the class relief. Her pedigree suggests she’ll handle the turf well.
10. Lady Firefoot
- Pedigree: Temple City x Maryland Mist
- Trainer: Melanie Giddings
- Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
- Analysis: Lady Firefoot has been inconsistent but has the stamina to compete at this distance. Bridgmohan’s experience could help her navigate the field.
11. Puckered
- Pedigree: Constitution x Lipstick City
- Trainer: Herold Simms
- Jockey: Wesley Henry
- Analysis: Puckered finished second in a starter optional claiming race earlier this month. Her pedigree and recent form make her an intriguing longshot.
Race Outlook
The Monroe Stakes features a mix of proven turf performers and intriguing newcomers. Sensitivity and Breath Away bring strong recent form, while Life’s an Audible and Starship Agenda offer potential upside. The pace is expected to be moderate, favoring horses with tactical speed like Swoonatra and Sensitivity.
