Horse Race Preview: Race 3 – Keswick Stakes at Colonial Downs

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The Keswick Stakes, a $100,000 feature for 2-year-old fillies, takes center stage as Race 3 at Colonial Downs on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Run over 5½ furlongs on dirt, this stakes sprint showcases emerging juvenile talent, with pedigrees packed with speed and trainers aiming to stamp their fillies as future stars.

Race Details

Race: Keswick Stakes (Race 3)

Track: Colonial Downs, New Kent, VA

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Post Time: 5:30 PM ET

Distance: 5½ furlongs (dirt)

Purse: $100,000

Conditions: Fillies, 2-year-olds

Full Field Analysis

PPHorseJockeyTrainerSireDamMorning Line Odds
1Smooch UpRonald Dale Allen Jr.Ron G. PottsCupidShush Up (Silent Name)4/1
2WickedwithbourbonBen CurtisJ. Keith DesormeauxBobby’s Wicked OneBetterwithbourbon (Yankee Gentleman)5/1
3SlewperstitusJ.G. TorrealbaW. Robert BailesGreat NotionSlew of Bullets (Slew City Slew)5/2
4ThisishowwedoitWeston HamiltonJesus CruzJimmy CreedThatsthewaytodoit (Tizway)12/1
5Just PhiltoredMychel J. SanchezMichael J. TrombettaGreat NotionSlow and Steady (Malibu Moon)6/5 (Favorite)
6ZirconiaJorge F. HernandezHugh I. McMahonSilver StateDiamond Fancy Free (Cherokee Run)20/1
7Snow BellaJohan RosadoMadison F. MeyersWicked StrongCurlabella (Curlin)30/1

Top Contenders Breakdown

Just Philtored (ML: 6/5)

Trainer: Michael Trombetta

Jockey: Mychel Sanchez

Pedigree: By Great Notion, out of Slow and Steady (Malibu Moon)

Form: Dominant debut winner at Laurel Park

Edge: Tactical speed, strong closing kick, top connections

Slewperstitus (ML: 5/2)

Trainer: W. Robert Bailes

Jockey: J.G. Torrealba

Pedigree: By Great Notion, out of Slew of Bullets (Slew City Slew)

Form: Sharp maiden win, high speed figures

Edge: Proven at distance, versatile running style

Smooch Up (ML: 4/1)

Trainer: Ron G. Potts

Jockey: Ronald Dale Allen Jr.

Pedigree: By Cupid, out of Shush Up (Silent Name)

Form: Consistent efforts, improving with each start

Edge: Could benefit from pace meltdown

Pedigree Insights

Great Notion: Sire of both Just Philtored and Slewperstitus; known for producing precocious sprinters with turf/dirt versatility.

Cupid: Sire of Smooch Up; offspring tend to mature early and excel at middle distances.

Wicked Strong & Silver State: Represent stamina influences, but their fillies may struggle with early pace in this sprint setup.

Final Thoughts

The Keswick Stakes is shaping up as a duel between Just Philtored and Slewperstitus, both sired by Great Notion and trained by seasoned conditioners. With $100,000 on the line, expect a fast early pace, tactical positioning, and a thrilling stretch battle. If Smooch Up can sit off the leaders and pounce late, she could upset the top pair.