The Obeah Stakes returns to Delaware Park, featuring elite fillies and mares in a 1 1/16-mile dirt showdown. With a $150,000 purse, this race serves as a key prep event for the prestigious Delaware Handicap, attracting top trainers, jockeys, and pedigrees.
Race Details
Event: Obeah Stakes
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 3:15 PM ET
Venue: Delaware Park, Wilmington, DE
Surface: Dirt (1 1/16 miles)
Purse: $150,000
TV Broadcast: TVG, Fox Sports, NYRA Bets
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Gun Song (Trainer: Mark Hennig | Jockey: John Velazquez)
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Nicole H (Mr. Greeley)
Career Record: 4 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds from 13 starts
Recent Performance: Third in Gulfstream allowance, sixth in G2 Ruffian Stakes
Strengths: Proven graded stakes performer with strong closing speed
Concerns: Seeking first win of 2025 after two underwhelming outings
2. Sidamara (Trainer: William Mott | Jockey: Junior Alvarado)
Pedigree: Arrogate – Spring in the Air (Harlan’s Holiday)
Career Record: 2 wins, 2 seconds from 5 starts
Recent Performance: Second in G3 Delaware Oaks
Strengths: Strong pedigree and trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott
Concerns: Making her 4-year-old debut, potential rust factor
3. Malibu Beauty (Trainer: Gary Capuano | Jockey: Paco Lopez)
Pedigree: Buffum – Slow and Steady (Malibu Moon)
Career Record: 13 wins, 10 seconds, 6 thirds from 43 starts
Recent Performance: Winner of Laurel Park allowance race
Strengths: Home-track advantage with five wins at Delaware Park
Concerns: Facing younger, fresher competition
4. Into Amore (Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Embellish the Lace (Super Saver)
Career Record: 3 wins, 2 seconds from 6 starts
Recent Performance: Winner of Belmont allowance race
Strengths: Elite pedigree and trained by multiple Eclipse Award winner Todd Pletcher
Concerns: First stakes attempt, untested at this level
5. Morning Matcha (Trainer: Robert Reid Jr. | Jockey: Mychel Sanchez)
Pedigree: Central Banker – Home Ice (Pulpit)
Career Record: 6 wins, 5 seconds, 4 thirds from 22 starts
Recent Performance: Fourth in G2 Ruffian Stakes
Strengths: Consistent performer with stakes experience
Concerns: Needs a strong pace setup to maximize closing ability
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Projection: Gun Song and Malibu Beauty likely to press early, while Sidamara and Morning Matcha close late.
Key Matchups: Gun Song vs. Malibu Beauty in the stretch battle.
Dark Horse: Into Amore could surprise with a breakout performance.
