Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Track: Saratoga Race Course
Race Type: Novice Hurdle Stakes
Distance: 2 3/8 miles over hurdles
Purse: $75,000
Post Time: 1:10 PM ET
Surface: Turf
Age Eligibility: 4-year-olds and up
The 2025 edition of the Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes at Saratoga features a competitive field of nine geldings, each bringing a unique blend of pedigree, training background, and recent form. With top steeplechase trainers and seasoned jockeys in play, this stakes race promises tactical depth and betting intrigue.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
| # | Horse | Pedigree | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Notes |
| 1 | Travesuras | Hit It a Bomb × Heart’s Song | 6 | Gerard Galligan | Cyril Murphy | First-time over hurdles; bred for turf stamina; owned by Irvin Naylor |
| 2 | Walk The Warrior (IRE) | Walk In The Park × Western Approaches | 6 | Jamie Bargary | Leslie Young | Irish-bred jumper with solid European form; Leipers Fork Steeplechase |
| 3 | L’Avvocato (FR) | Frankel × After Dawn | 6 | Evan Dwan | Katherine Neilson | French-bred with elite flat pedigree; needs to prove over jumps |
| 4 | Evie’s Prince | Animal Kingdom × Owl Moon | 8 | Eric Poretz | Neil Morris | Veteran jumper; distance winner; consistent Saratoga performer |
| 5 | Little Trilby (GB) | Golden Horn × Middle Creek | 5 | Conor Tierney | Richard Hendriks | UK-bred; lightly raced; strong closing kick |
| 6 | Roja Redemption | Flintshire × Desired Effect | 5 | Charlie Todd | Jack Fisher | Recent winner at Colonial Downs; sharp form; top contender |
| 7 | Carloun (IRE) | Kingman × Qaws | 6 | Stephen Mulqueen | Keri Brion | Dubawi-line stamina; Brion excels with European imports |
| 8 | Clifton Down (IRE) | Lope de Vega × Star of Bristol | 5 | Dan Nevin | Mark Beecher | First-time over hurdles; bred for speed; wildcard entry |
| 9 | Quick Master | Hard Spun × Pura Classe | 6 | Graham Watters | Jack Fisher | Solid jumper; consistent form; Bruton Street-US ownership |
Key Contenders & Betting Angles
Roja Redemption
Trained by Jack Fisher, one of the most respected names in American steeplechase
Comes off a dominant win at Colonial Downs
Pedigree suggests stamina and turf adaptability
Top betting choice for form and trainer confidence
Travesuras
Making his hurdle debut under Gerard Galligan
Bred by Malibu Farm, known for producing turf specialists
Trainer Cyril Murphy has a strong Saratoga record
Value play for exotic wagers
Walk The Warrior (IRE)
Irish-bred with proven jumping ability
Trainer Leslie Young excels with European imports
Jamie Bargary brings international experience
Live longshot with upside
Pedigree Insights
Frankel, Golden Horn, and Kingman represent elite European turf bloodlines, offering class and stamina over distance.
Flintshire and Animal Kingdom bring proven turf versatility and late kick potential.
Hard Spun and Hit It a Bomb add speed and tactical positioning, ideal for Saratoga’s layout.
Trainer Spotlight
Jack Fisher (Roja Redemption, Quick Master): Multiple champion steeplechase trainer; excels in conditioning and race placement.
Keri Brion (Carloun): Former assistant to Fisher; now a rising force with European imports.
Richard Hendriks (Little Trilby): Known for developing young hurdlers with late-season upside.
Betting Strategy
Win/Place: Roja Redemption
Exacta Box: Roja Redemption, Walk The Warrior, Quick Master
Trifecta Key: Roja Redemption over Travesuras and Evie’s Prince
Longshot Play: Clifton Down (IRE) – pedigree suggests potential upside
