Here’s your fully detailed and SEO-optimized preview for the 2025 New York Stallion Stakes (Spectacular Bid Division), set for Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Belmont at the Big A (Aqueduct Racetrack). This six-furlong turf sprint for New York-sired 3-year-olds offers a $150,000 purse and features a competitive field of emerging talent, seasoned trainers, and pedigrees built for speed.
Race Overview: New York Stallion Stakes 2025 – Spectacular Bid Division
- Race: New York Stallion Stakes (Spectacular Bid Division)
- Track: Belmont at the Big A (Aqueduct)
- Surface: Turf
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $150,000
- Eligibility: NY-sired 3-year-olds
- Post Time: 5:38 PM ET (Race 6)
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
Soontobeking (Post 6)
- Trainer: George Weaver
- Jockey: Manuel Franco
- Pedigree: King for a Day – Swayed (by Freud)
- Record: 13: 3-4-4 Earnings: $49,498
- Speed Rating: 101
- Key Notes: Ultra-consistent with 85% in-the-money finishes. Strong turf form and top jockey-trainer combo. Major player.
Friend Ofthe Devil (Post 5)
- Trainer: Carlos Martin
- Jockey: Christopher Elliott
- Pedigree: Honest Mischief – Fabuleux (by Black Mambo)
- Record: 5: 2-0-0 Earnings: $29,357
- Speed Rating: 83
- Key Notes: Won last start at Aqueduct. Track specialist with tactical speed. Could control the pace.
I’m Due (Post 3)
- Trainer: J. Sweezey
- Jockey: Dylan Davis
- Pedigree: War Dancer – Candelabra (by Purge)
- Record: 9: 2-0-3 Earnings: $13,551
- Speed Rating: 97
- Key Notes: Strong closing kick. May prefer slightly longer but has class to contend.
Other Notables in the Field
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Pedigree | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River of Time (1) | Chad Summers | Junior Alvarado | Fog of War – Passage of Time (El Corredor) | Solid third at Gulfstream; versatile style |
| Ducky Medwick (8) | Chad Summers | Jose Lezcano | Mr. Monomoy – Coyote Pretty (Union Rags) | Wide draw; 2 wins from 4 starts |
| Sunshine Dancer (2) | Michelle Nevin | Ricardo Santana Jr | War Dancer – Sunshine Gal (Congrats) | Still maiden; longshot |
| Strobe Light (4) | James Ferraro | Luis Rivera Jr | Disco Partner – Fairies Magic (Raffie’s Majesty) | 0-for-9; needs big improvement |
| Dancing Bear (7) | Carlos Martin | Romero Maragh | War Dancer – Off the Bourbon (Curlin) | Lightly raced; potential upside |
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Projection: Expect a contested early pace with Friend Ofthe Devil and Ducky Medwick likely to go forward.
- Key Matchup: Soontobeking vs Friend Ofthe Devil in the stretch—class vs pace.
- Dark Horse: I’m Due could capitalize if the pace collapses late.
- Live Longshot: River of Time has back-class and a strong rider in Alvarado.
Projected Order of Finish
- Soontobeking
- Friend Ofthe Devil
- I’m Due
- River of Time
- Ducky Medwick
