North Dakota Horse Park, Fargo, ND
Friday, July 25, 2025 – Post Time: 8:00 PM CT
Purse: $15,000 – Seven Furlongs – Dirt – For 3-Year-Olds and Up
Race Overview
The NDTA Starter Series Crown Final Stakes is the culminating event of the North Dakota Thoroughbred Association’s Starter Series, spotlighting seasoned claimers who’ve earned their way into this finale through prior series races. With a competitive field of six geldings aged 4 to 12, this seven-furlong dirt sprint promises a tactical battle between veteran class and rising form.
Field Analysis: Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| PP | Horse | Age/Sex | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree |
| 1 | Rochester’s Finest (CA) | 5/G | Dakota Wood | Perry Cavanaugh | Misremembered × Little Bit Lovely (by Saint Anddan) |
| 2 | Zultan (KY) | 6/G | Nathan Haar | Robert J. Haar | Summer Front × Seeingtizbelieving (by Tiznow) |
| 3 | Just Ask Joel (FL) | 8/G | Ricardo Martinez | Milton Suter | He’s Had Enough × Catch That Kitten (by Kitten’s Joy) |
| 4 | Libertarian (KY) | 12/G | Bryan McNeil | Troy A. Bethke | Northern Afleet × Earlybird Road (by Cherokee Run) |
| 5 | Cupid’s War (KY) | 4/G | Larren Delorme | Perry Cavanaugh | Cupid × War Angel (by Declaration of War) |
| 6 | J’s Little Man (AR) | 8/G | Connie McKenzie | Junior Dolphus | Hightail × Gold Case Motel (by Gold Case) |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Rochester’s Finest
Trainer-Jockey Combo: Cavanaugh and Wood have teamed up for multiple wins this meet.
Pedigree Edge: By Misremembered, known for stamina and late kick.
Form: Sharp recent efforts in series qualifiers; versatile running style.
Zultan
Experience Factor: 6-year-old with consistent finishes in starter allowance company.
Pedigree Note: Summer Front progeny often excel on turf but have shown dirt adaptability.
Jockey: Nathan Haar has a strong record at NDHP in route races.
Cupid’s War
Upside Play: Youngest in the field with improving speed figures.
Pedigree Power: Cupid × Declaration of War suggests tactical speed and stamina.
Trainer: Cavanaugh’s second entry, indicating confidence in barn depth.
Veteran Watchlist
Libertarian (Age 12): Oldest in the field, brings deep experience but may be vulnerable to younger pace.
Just Ask Joel: Solid pedigree with Kitten’s Joy influence; could surprise with a stalking trip.
J’s Little Man: Longshot with prior stakes experience; needs pace meltdown to contend.
Top Pick: Rochester’s Finest – tactical speed, strong connections, and proven form.
Value Play: Cupid’s War – lightly raced with upside and pedigree punch.
Exotics: Include Zultan and Just Ask Joel for trifecta/superfecta depth.
Predicted Order of Finish:
Rochester’s Finest
Cupid’s War
Zultan
Just Ask Joel
