The Natural State Breeders’ Stakes, a $150,000 race for Arkansas-bred fillies and mares aged three and up, is set to take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This one-mile dirt race promises to be a competitive affair, featuring a field of 10 talented runners. The race is scheduled as the ninth of 10 races on the card, with a post time of 4:48 PM CT.
Field Overview
1. Bennykayandsuzytoo
- Trainer: Thomas D. Vance
- Jockey: Walter De La Cruz
- Pedigree: By Strong Mandate out of Equineline Reports – Cora and Jas
- Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Bennykayandsuzytoo finished second in last year’s Natural State Breeders’ Stakes and enters this race off a third-place finish in an allowance race on April 19. She has shown speed but will need to step up to contend with this field.
2. Punchy Girl
- Trainer: Randy L. Morse
- Jockey: Keith Asmussen
- Pedigree: By Street Strategy out of Union Boss
- Morning Line Odds: 3/1
Punchy Girl, a former Rainbow Miss Stakes winner, has been consistent in stakes company. She is one of three entries from Randy Morse’s barn and will look to improve on her fifth-place finish in last year’s edition of this race.
3. She’s a Dreamer
- Trainer: Terry Eoff
- Jockey: Erik Asmussen
- Pedigree: By Gentlemen’s Bet out of Bean Peaceful
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
She’s a Dreamer is lightly raced and comes off a fifth-place finish in the Rainbow Miss Stakes. She will need to show significant improvement to be a factor here.
4. Caliente Star
- Trainer: Tammy Hornsby
- Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
- Pedigree: By Tapiture out of Caliente Candy
- Morning Line Odds: 5/2
Caliente Star is undefeated in three career starts, including a dominant win in the Rainbow Miss Stakes earlier this month. She has yet to race around two turns, but her pedigree suggests she has the stamina to handle the distance.
5. Gold Strategy
- Trainer: Dan Ward
- Jockey: Abel Cedillo
- Pedigree: By Street Strategy out of Sochi Gold
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Gold Strategy has been inconsistent but has shown flashes of potential. She will need to deliver her best performance to compete against this field.
6. Kantex
- Trainer: Randy L. Morse
- Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
- Pedigree: By Street Strategy out of Wicked Dixie
- Morning Line Odds: 9/5 (Favorite)
The defending champion of this race, Kantex, is the morning-line favorite. She returned to action with a fifth-place finish in an allowance sprint earlier this month and will look to regain her winning form.
7. Courtney Fay
- Trainer: Danele Durham
- Jockey: Amin Castillo
- Pedigree: By Birdstone out of Hi Heels N Jewels
- Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Courtney Fay has struggled in recent starts and will need a significant turnaround to be competitive in this race.
8. Arr Piratetreasure
- Trainer: Danele Durham
- Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez
- Pedigree: By Palace Malice out of Thatbossanovasound
- Morning Line Odds: 12/1
Arr Piratetreasure enters this race off a win in a state-bred allowance sprint. She has shown a strong closing kick and could be a factor if the pace is fast.
9. Appealing Addie
- Trainer: Randy L. Morse
- Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
- Pedigree: By Brody’s Cause out of Sensational Appeal
- Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Appealing Addie finished third behind Arr Piratetreasure in her last start. She has been consistent and could be a live longshot in this field.
10. Lassie My Girl
- Trainer: Melton Wilson
- Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
- Pedigree: By Double Irish out of Robin My Girl
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
Lassie My Girl has been competitive in allowance company and will look to make an impact in her stakes debut.
Race Dynamics
The Natural State Breeders’ Stakes is expected to feature a mix of early speed and strong closers. Horses like Caliente Star and Kantex are likely to be prominent early, while closers such as Arr Piratetreasure and Punchy Girl will look to make their moves late.
