This $50,000 black-type stakes race for fillies and mares aged 3 and up will be contested over seven furlongs on dirt, with post time at 7:45 PM MT.
Race Overview: 2025 R. A. Red McKenzie Handicap
- Race: R. A. “Red” McKenzie Handicap
- Track: Century Mile (Race 7)
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 7 furlongs
- Purse: $50,000 Guaranteed
- Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 3YO & Up
- Post Time: 7:45 PM MT
- Wagering Options: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 4 (Races 7–10)
This year’s edition features a well-matched field of seven, including graded stakes veterans, local champions, and emerging fillies. The race honors Alberta racing legend R.A. “Red” McKenzie and is a key prep for the Alberta Fall Classic.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Force to Rekn With | Brian Boodramsingh | Robert Van Overschot | Counterforce – Noble Perfection (Majesticperfection) | 121 lbs |
| 2 | Aventapp | Dane Nelson | Gonzalo Anderson | Tapiture – Aventina (Dynaformer) | 122 lbs |
| 3 | Silkstone | Enrique Gonzalez | Tim Rycroft | Birdstone – Silkworm (Dixie Union) | 120 lbs |
| 4 | Maturity Date | Rasheed Hughes | Robertino Diodoro | Upstart – Sing Lady Sing (Scat Daddy) | 121 lbs |
| 5 | Tone It Up | Keihton Natera | David Nicholson | Tonalist – Achiever’s Legacy (City Zip) | 116 lbs |
| 6 | Asamatteroffactido | N’Rico Prescod | Craig R. Smith | Mucho Macho Man – Chapel Dancer (Chapel Royal) | 119 lbs |
| 7 | Big Hug | Rafael Zenteno Jr. | Rick Hedge | Mr. Big – Temeeku (Unusual Heat) | 125 lbs |
Key Contenders to Watch
Big Hug (Post 7)
- Trainer: Rick Hedge
- Jockey: Rafael Zenteno Jr.
- Record: 15: 8-3-2
- Notable Wins: Alberta Fall Classic Distaff, Shirley Vargo Handicap
- Analysis: Alberta’s reigning Horse of the Year returns off a layoff but has won 3 straight stakes at Century Mile. Carries top weight but is the class of the field.
Maturity Date (Post 4)
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
- Jockey: Rasheed Hughes
- Record: 9: 4-2-1
- Notable Wins: Allowance at Oaklawn, 2nd in G3 Iowa Oaks
- Analysis: Ships in from the U.S. with back-class and tactical speed. Diodoro is a 25% winner at Century Mile.
Aventapp (Post 2)
- Trainer: Gonzalo Anderson
- Jockey: Dane Nelson
- Record: 18: 6-4-3
- Notable Wins: Century Downs Distaff, 2nd in Shirley Vargo
- Analysis: Consistent local mare with strong late kick. Will benefit from a hot pace.
Live Longshots & Dark Horses
- Force to Rekn With (Post 1): Rail draw and early speed make her a potential pace factor. Could hang on for a share.
- Asamatteroffactido (Post 6): Lightly raced 4YO with upside. Won allowance at Woodbine last fall.
- Tone It Up (Post 5): Lightest weight in the field. Needs a career-best effort but could improve second off the layoff.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Moderate to fast. Force to Rekn With and Tone It Up likely to contest the early lead.
- Closers: Big Hug, Aventapp, and Maturity Date will be flying late.
- Key Matchup: Big Hug vs Maturity Date – local queen vs U.S. invader.
Projected Order of Finish
- Big Hug
- Maturity Date
- Aventapp
- Asamatteroffactido
- Force to Rekn With
