The Cardinal Stakes (Race 11) at Churchill Downs is a $300,000 Listed turf event for fillies and mares at 1 ⅛ miles.
Venue & Conditions
Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Post Time: 4:14 PM ET
Race: Cardinal Stakes (Listed), 1 ⅛ miles on turf
Purse: $300,000
Weather forecast: Late-fall cool, ~5–7 °C, dry skies. Turf expected firm to good.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
Pin Up Betty (Post 8, 5–2): Maker-trained, Churchill specialist with multiple G3 wins. Saez fits her aggressive style. Top win candidate.
Vive Veuve (Post 9, 3–1): Ortiz Jr. aboard; sharp late kick, consistent graded form. Strong exacta anchor.
Proctor Street (Post 11, 6–1): Walsh trainee, improving filly with tactical speed. Dangerous if pace is moderate.
Miwa (Post 2, 8–1): Sharp barn, graded-placed. Needs clean trip to contend.
Duvet Day (Post 1, 15–1): Defending Cardinal winner; rail draw helps, but recent form below peak.
Stylish Sue (Post 5, 8–1): Reliable allowance winner; exotics player.
Weighted Average (Post 7, 12–1): Brown trainee, lightly raced with upside. Could surprise.
Awesome Czech (Post 4, 15–1): Comes off stakes win; step up in class.
She’s Lookin Lucky (Post 6, 15–1): Honest mare, but lacks finishing punch.
Fleetingly (Post 10, 12–1): Prat aboard; class test but live longshot.
Adrasteia (Post 12, 20–1): Outsider, needs major improvement.
AE Sabalenka/Tap the Champagne: Only if scratches occur; both longshots.
Summary
The Cardinal Stakes 2025 shapes up as a battle between Pin Up Betty’s Churchill class and Vive Veuve’s late kick, with Proctor Street as the improving danger. Expect a firm turf, honest pace, and a stretch duel. Suggested wagers lean on Pin Up Betty to win, with Vive Veuve and Proctor Street filling exotics.
