Horse Race Preview: Race 5 – Marathon Series Stakes at Grande Prairie

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Race Overview

Race Name: Marathon Series Stakes

Track: J.D.A. Raceway at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, Alberta

Surface: Dirt

Distance: 1⅛ Miles (9 furlongs)

Purse: $10,900

Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Upward

Claiming Price: $6,250

Post Time: 2:55 PM MT

Field Size: 6 runners

Wagering Options: Exactor, Triactor, Superfecta

This extended claiming stakes race is part of the Alberta Marathon Series, designed to test stamina and consistency over a demanding 9-furlong distance. With a mix of seasoned geldings and proven route pedigrees, this is a grinder’s race.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

1. C C’s Kitten (KY)

Pedigree: California Chrome × Not a Kitten (by Munnings)

Trainer: Colten Mead

Jockey: Trevor Simpson

Morning Line Odds: 6/1

Notes: Chrome-bred gelding with solid route credentials. May benefit from pace pressure up front. Has shown flashes of late kick.

2. Almanera (IRE)

Pedigree: Almanzor × La Pedrera (by Danehill Dancer)

Trainer: C.G. Dennis

Jockey: R. Nelson

Morning Line Odds: 8/1

Notes: Irish-bred gelding with turf-heavy pedigree. May struggle on dirt but has class and stamina. A wildcard if track plays fair.

3. The Beat (KY)

Pedigree: Dominus × Beat the Blues (by Great Pyramid)

Trainer: Jason Coney

Jockey: T.R. Foster

Morning Line Odds: 5/2

Notes: Veteran 7-year-old with consistent form in Alberta. Dominus line excels at middle distances. Finished second in previous Marathon Series leg. Reliable contender.

4. Simms (KY)

Pedigree: American Pharoah × Quarter Moon (by Sadler’s Wells)

Trainer: C.B. McDonald

Jockey: L. Bugeaud

Morning Line Odds: 4/1

Notes: Pedigree screams stamina. American Pharoah offspring often thrive at longer distances. Could be dangerous if allowed to settle early.

5. Stay Outa My Way (AB)

Pedigree: Iliad × It’s Jo Jo (by Johannesburg)

Trainer: L.W. Magnuson

Jockey: Larris Allen

Morning Line Odds: 10/1

Notes: Alberta-bred gelding with local experience. May be outclassed but could sneak into exotics if pace collapses.

6. Charlie’s Copy (FL)

Pedigree: Adios Charlie × Instant Copy (by Invisible Ink)

Trainer: Clinton Rycroft

Jockey: Scott Williams

Morning Line Odds: 3/1

Notes: Winner of the previous Marathon Series leg. Strong closing style and proven at the distance. Top pick with favorable setup.

PositionHorseReasoning
1stCharlie’s CopyProven at distance, strong closer, top connections
2ndThe BeatConsistent form, reliable pace presence
3rdSimmsStamina pedigree, potential upside

Win Bet: Charlie’s Copy

Exacta Box: Charlie’s Copy / The Beat / Simms

Trifecta Play: Charlie’s Copy over The Beat and C C’s Kitten

Longshot to Watch: Almanera – turf pedigree could translate if track is deep