Venue: Willowdale Steeplechase — Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Course: Timber / Mixed Natural Fences
Distance: 2 ½ Miles
Purse: $35,000
Scheduled Post Time: 1:40 PM ET
The Rose Tree Cup is a signature event for fillies and mares who excel over timber and mixed natural fences. Willowdale’s course is one of the most unique in American jump racing — rolling hills, tight turns, natural brush fences, and long galloping stretches that reward balance, stamina, and clean jumping.
This year’s field is deep, competitive, and filled with mares who have been improving through the spring.
EXPECTED WEATHER & COURSE CONDITIONS — KENNETT SQUARE, PA
Temperature: 71–74°F
Sky: Mostly sunny
Humidity: 50–55%
Wind: 5–8 mph
Rain: <10%
Course Condition: Good to Firm (ideal for timber)
Perfect spring conditions — firm, fast ground that favors forwardly placed mares with efficient jumping and strong cruising speed.
FULL FIELD ANALYSIS
(Post positions, horses, trainers, jockeys, recent finishes, and morning‑line odds)
POST 1 — WILLOWDALE WALTZ
Trainer: Jack Fisher Jockey: Graham Watters Morning Line: 5‑2 Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st
The likely favorite and the class of the field. Willowdale Waltz has been dominant in her last two starts, showing flawless jumping and a powerful late kick. Fisher is the premier timber trainer in the U.S., and Watters is the most reliable rider in the division.
Strengths: Elite jumper, strong finishing power, top connections Concerns: Must avoid traffic early from the rail
POST 2 — ROSE RUN REBEL
Trainer: Leslie Young Jockey: Freddie Procter Morning Line: 7‑2 Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd
A rapidly improving mare with a strong turn of foot. Rose Run Rebel has been competitive in every start and fits Willowdale’s course profile perfectly. Young’s barn is red‑hot in timber and mixed‑fence races, and Procter is patient and tactical.
Strengths: Strong late acceleration, improving form Concerns: Needs a well‑timed ride to avoid being boxed in
POST 3 — CHESTER COUNTY CHARM
Trainer: Arch Kingsley Jockey: Barry Foley Morning Line: 6‑1 Recent Finishes: 3rd, 2nd, 1st
A grinder who thrives on firm ground. Chester County Charm lacks the flash of the top two but makes up for it with stamina and clean jumping. Kingsley’s horses are always well‑prepared for Willowdale’s natural terrain.
Strengths: Stamina, consistent jumping Concerns: Lacks explosive turn of foot
POST 4 — TIMBER TEMPTRESS
Trainer: Richard Valentine Jockey: Parker Hendriks Morning Line: 4‑1 Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 2nd
A dangerous tactical mare with a strong finishing kick. Timber Temptress has been knocking on the door in stakes company and now gets Hendriks — one of the most aggressive and tactically sharp timber riders in the country.
Strengths: Tactical speed, rider upgrade Concerns: Must avoid being caught wide on the long turns
POST 5 — BLUEGRASS BLOSSOM
Trainer: Sanna Neilson Jockey: Harrison Beswick Morning Line: 8‑1 Recent Finishes: 4th, 1st, 3rd
A longshot with upside. Bluegrass Blossom has flashed talent but has been inconsistent. Her best races come when she settles early and makes one sustained run. Beswick is a strong, balanced timber rider.
Strengths: Upside, strong stamina Concerns: Inconsistent; must improve significantly
POST 6 — VALLEY VIOLET
Trainer: Doug Fout Jockey: Bernie Dalton Morning Line: 12‑1 Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 2nd
A deep closer who will need a pace collapse. Valley Violet has a strong late kick but often leaves herself too much to do. Dalton is patient and experienced, but firm ground may not help her closing style.
Strengths: Late kick, experienced connections Concerns: Pace‑dependent; firm ground works against her
PACE & RACE SHAPE ANALYSIS
Early Speed: Willowdale Waltz, Timber Temptress
Stalkers: Rose Run Rebel, Chester County Charm
Closers: Bluegrass Blossom, Valley Violet
Projected Pace: Moderate to honest This strongly favors Willowdale Waltz and Timber Temptress, while Rose Run Rebel becomes dangerous if the leaders soften each other late.
