The Big Daddy Stakes is scheduled at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. This modern venue, renovated in 2021 with a Tapeta all-weather surface, is known for its consistent footing regardless of weather, often favoring speed in sprints. The day’s first post time is 5:55 PM ET, with Race 8 expected to go off at 9:25 PM ET.
Expected weather conditions in Florence on race day include highs around 74°F and lows near 50°F, with mostly sunny skies and a 1% chance of precipitation. Winds will be light at 8 mph from the southwest, with humidity around 76%. These conditions should maintain a fast all-weather track, ideal for sprinters with affinity for synthetic surfaces.
This $125,000 listed stakes (including $25,000 from KTDF) is open to 4-year-olds and upward, contested over 6 furlongs on the all-weather track. It attracts proven synthetic specialists and serves as a prep for higher-level sprints.
Weights range from 120-124 lbs. The field of 7 features morning-line favorite Arrest Me Red from Wesley Ward, with strong challengers from barns like Michael Maker and Joe Sharp.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Mischievous Angel | Vincent Cheminaud | Jorge R. Abreu | 10/1 |
| 2 | Runnin’ Rocket | Rafael Manuel Hernandez | Joe Sharp | 10/1 |
| 3 | Arrest Me Red | Luan Machado | Wesley A. Ward | 8/5 |
| 4 | Cinister Cix | Gerardo Corrales | Shane Sands | 30/1 |
| 5 | G T Five Hundred | Walter A. Rodriguez | Michael J. Maker | 2/1 |
| 6 | I’m A Gambler (IRE) | Julio A. Hernandez | Panagiotis A. Synnefias | 20/1 |
| 7 | Joe Shiesty | Fernando De La Cruz | Eric N. Foster | 5/2 |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Mischievous Angel (10/1 ML)
Jorge R. Abreu trains this 6-year-old Into Mischief gelding, ridden by Vincent Cheminaud at 120 lbs. Owned by Parkland Thoroughbreds. A turf router shortening up with synthetic question marks. Recent finishes: 2nd (104) at Laurel on 9/13/25 (6f turf-firm); 4th (94) at Saratoga on 7/4/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, Harvey Pack LS); 7th (108) at Saratoga on 6/5/25 (1m turf-firm, Poker G3); 2nd (117) at Laurel on 4/19/25 (1m turf-firm, Henry S. Clark S.); 6th (107) at Belmont at Aqueduct on 10/5/24 (6f turf-firm, Belmont Turf Sprint S.); 1st (107) at Kentucky Downs on 9/11/24 (7f turf-firm, AOC).
Prefers firm turf but has speed figures that could translate. Abreu wins 18% with sprint shippers. Cheminaud tactical. Rail post suits pressing; value if adapts to surface.
2. Runnin’ Rocket (10/1 ML)
Joe Sharp conditions this 5-year-old War Front gelding, with Rafael Manuel Hernandez aboard at 120 lbs. Owned by TEC Racing. Synthetic specialist in form. Recent finishes: 8th (105) at Turfway on 2/13/26 (6 1/2f synth-fast, Forego LS); 1st (120) at Turfway on 12/18/25 (6f synth-fast, AOC); 3rd (118) at Woodbine on 11/15/25 (7f synth-fast, AOC); 1st (125) at Woodbine on 10/19/25 (7f synth-fast, AOC); 2nd (114) at Woodbine on 9/28/25 (6f synth-fast, AOC).
Excels on fast synthetic with closing kick. Sharp hot at Turfway (22% wins). Hernandez reliable (19% strike rate). Post 2 allows ground-saving trip; live at odds.
3. Arrest Me Red (8/5 ML)
Wesley A. Ward trains this 8-year-old Pioneerof the Nile gelding, ridden by Luan Machado at 120 lbs. Owned by Lael Stables. Morning-line favorite with class drop. Recent finishes: 1st (136) at Turfway on 1/14/26 (6 1/2f synth-fast, AOC); 5th (98) at Keeneland on 10/4/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, Woodford G2); 4th (110) at Kentucky Downs on 8/30/25 (6f turf-firm, Turf Sprint G2); 2nd (84) at Churchill on 6/7/25 (5f turf-firm, Mighty Beau LS); 4th (90) at Churchill on 5/3/25 (5 1/2f turf-good, Twin Spires Turf Sprint G2).
Proven on synthetic with top speed. Ward targets these (25% wins). Machado local star. Post 3 for stalking; heavy chalk on form.
4. Cinister Cix (30/1 ML)
Shane Sands sends out this 4-year-old Curlin colt, with Gerardo Corrales up at 122 lbs. Owned by Bartolome Mafla Herrera. Longshot improving on synthetic. Recent finishes: 1st (116) at Turfway on 2/13/26 (6f synth-fast, MSW); 2nd (119) at Turfway on 1/16/26 (6f synth-fast, MSW); 4th (105) at Turfway on 12/21/25 (6f synth-fast, MSW); 5th (99) at Churchill on 11/26/25 (6f dirt-fast, MCL); 3rd (106) at Keeneland on 10/23/25 (1 1/16m dirt-fast, MCL).
Recent maiden breaker stepping up. Sands value plays (14% wins). Corrales knows track. Post 4 offers options; upset if pace collapses.
5. G T Five Hundred (2/1 ML)
Michael J. Maker trains this 6-year-old Astern (AUS) gelding, ridden by Walter A. Rodriguez at 124 lbs. Owned by Michael Dubb and Douglas Nachman. Co-favorite with synthetic dominance. Recent finishes: 1st (128) at Turfway on 2/13/26 (6 1/2f synth-fast, Forego LS); 1st (123) at Turfway on 1/7/26 (6 1/2f synth-fast, AOC); 1st (113) at Turfway on 12/5/25 (6 1/2f synth-fast, ALW); 3rd (91) at Churchill on 11/7/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, ALW); 9th (92) at Keeneland on 10/9/25 (7f dirt-fast, ALW).
Undefeated at Turfway lately. Maker powerhouse (24% wins). Rodriguez emerging. Mid-pack post suits closing; prime contender.
6. I’m A Gambler (IRE) (20/1 ML)
Panagiotis A. Synnefias conditions this 7-year-old No Nay Never gelding, with Julio A. Hernandez aboard at 120 lbs. Owned by Peter Kazamias. Longshot with synthetic experience. Recent finishes: 5th (85) at Aqueduct on 1/22/26 (6 1/2f dirt-fast, CLM); 5th (117) at Woodbine on 11/15/25 (7f synth-fast, AOC); 4th (116) at Woodbine on 11/2/25 (6f synth-fast, AOC); 4th (122) at Woodbine on 10/18/25 (6 1/2f synth-fast, AOC); 5th (130) at Woodbine on 9/13/25 (7f synth-fast, Branded Cities Vigil S.).
Consistent but needs rebound. Synnefias targets claims (15% wins). Hernandez capable. Post 6 for rally; minor award possible.
7. Joe Shiesty (5/2 ML)
Eric N. Foster trains this 5-year-old Air Force Blue gelding, ridden by Fernando De La Cruz at 124 lbs. Owned by Foster Family Racing et al. Stakes winner dropping in. Recent finishes: 1st (121) at Turfway on 12/21/25 (6f synth-fast, Holiday Cheer S.); 7th (90) at Churchill on 11/27/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, ALW); 3rd (99) at Keeneland on 10/4/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, Woodford G2); 8th (88) at Ellis on 8/3/25 (5 1/2f turf-firm, Turf Sprint LS); 1st (85) at Churchill on 6/7/25 (5f turf-firm, Mighty Beau LS).
Versatile with synthetic win. Foster hot locally (20% wins). De La Cruz excels. Wide post 7 may hinder; threat if handles draw.
