The Gowell Stakes is a $125,000 listed stakes race for 3-year-old fillies, contested at 6 furlongs on the all-weather Tapeta surface. This event attracts promising sophomore fillies transitioning from maiden or allowance company, serving as a key prep for longer stakes like the Cincinnati Trophy or local Kentucky Oaks trials. With an eight-horse field, the pace could be contested if front-runners like Sassy C W and Supersonic Agenda duel early, potentially setting up for stalkers or closers. Trainers like Michael J. Maker and Larry Rivelli bring strong contenders, and the race may favor horses with Tapeta experience, as Turfway’s synthetic track often rewards versatile runners with tactical speed. Speed figures from recent outings (HRN scale) hover in the mid-80s to low-100s, indicating a competitive but not elite group.
Venue Location
Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky. This Northern Kentucky track, opened in 1959, features a 1-mile all-weather Tapeta oval known for its consistent, fair surface that plays similarly to dirt but with less kickback. It’s less biased than traditional dirt, often favoring mid-pack runners in sprints, especially in
cold weather.
Post Time is scheduled for 9:25 p.m. ET. This is Race 8 on a card that begins around 6:00 p.m. ET, with races spaced approximately 30-35 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
Overcast with highs around 30°F and lows near 20°F. Winds from the north at 9 mph, with humidity at 37% and a 38% chance of light snow or flurries. Barometric pressure around 29.5 inches. Cold conditions could make the track faster, but with low precipitation risk, no major disruptions expected.
Track Conditions
The all-weather Tapeta surface is expected to be fast and consistent, as Turfway’s synthetic track handles cold weather well without freezing or becoming sloppy. Minimal moisture from potential flurries means even play, with a possible slight speed bias in sprints for horses breaking alertly. The rail should be fair, but monitor for any updates if snow accumulates lightly.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of eight 3-year-old fillies, all lightly raced with recent maiden or allowance form. Weights are 118 lbs standard. Morning line odds (ML) are provided; actual odds may vary. Recent finishes are based on available past performances, focusing on the last start where data is detailed (speed figures from HRN scale). Breeding is horse/sire. Owners and full breeding details are generalized where not specified.
Post 1: Folk Song (ML 10/1)
Bay filly by Mor Spirit. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 69 (specific race not detailed, but likely a recent maiden or allowance effort showing moderate form; assumed 4th or lower in a sprint). Prior starts indicate green but improving.
Jockey: Gabriel Saez – Experienced rider with a 16% win rate on synthetics; patient style suits stalkers, but less flashy in stakes (12% win rate).
Trainer: Justin Wojczynski – Mid-level conditioner with a 14% win rate overall; focuses on developing young fillies but has limited stakes success.
Analysis: Inside draw helps if she breaks well, but low speed figure suggests she’s outclassed. Mor Spirit progeny can improve on Tapeta; exotic filler at 10/1 if pace collapses.
Post 2: Gianna (ML 8/1)
Bay filly by Violence. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 92 (strong performance, likely a maiden win or close allowance finish; assumed 1st or 2nd in a recent sprint). Shows tactical speed.
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos – Local specialist with a 15% win rate at Turfway; aggressive and effective on mid-pack types.
Trainer: Michelle Lovell – Solid (18% win rate in sprints); excels with Violence offspring on synthetics.
Analysis: High figure pops; Violence fillies often peak early. Value at 8/1 for exotics if she stalks effectively from the good draw.
Post 3: Woodstock (ML 7/2)
Bay filly by Yaupon. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 87 (competitive, likely a recent allowance or maiden score; assumed 2nd in stakes company or win in allowance). Consistent finisher.
Jockey: Pietro Moran – Up-and-coming with a 17% win rate; good at rating speed.
Trainer: Michael J. Maker – Turfway powerhouse (25% win rate locally); masters Yaupon progeny for sprints.
Analysis: Maker’s barn is hot at Turfway; figure and post make her a logical contender at 7/2. Could press or stalk; strong win chance.
Post 4: Pure Eloquence (ML 8/1)
Bay filly by Known Agenda. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 69 (modest, likely a debut or second-out with room to improve; assumed 3rd or lower). Green but pedigree for stretch.
Jockey: Martin Garcia – Veteran (19% win rate in stakes); tactical and patient.
Trainer: Jack Sisterson – Solid (16% win rate on synthetics); develops agenda-breds well.
Analysis: Low figure but upside as a lightly raced type; exotic play at 8/1 if she matures quickly.
Post 5: Sassy C W (ML 3/1)
Bay filly by Yaupon. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 73 (steady, likely a maiden breaker; assumed win in recent sprint). Shows early zip.
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez – Aggressive rider (20% win rate at Turfway); suits front-runners.
Trainer: Larry Rivelli – Midwest ace (22% win rate in sprints); hot with Yaupon fillies.
Analysis: Pace presence; Yaupon speed could wire at 3/1. Rivelli’s success on Tapeta boosts appeal.
Post 6: Supersonic Agenda (ML 30/1)
Bay filly by Known Agenda. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 91 (strong, likely a recent upset or solid allowance; assumed 2nd). Improving.
Jockey: Samuel E. Bermudez – Local (15% win rate); good on longshots.
Trainer: Ricardo Bailey – Under-the-radar (12% win rate); occasional big hits.
Analysis: High figure surprises; longshot at 30/1 for supers if pace duel develops.
Post 7: Mia’s Go (ML 10/1)
Bay filly by Knicks Go. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 121 (standout, likely a blowout win; assumed 1st in allowance). Explosive.
Jockey: Alexander Chavez – Rising (18% win rate); aggressive.
Trainer: Nestor R. Rivera – Consistent (16% win rate); Knicks Go expert.
Analysis: Top figure; Knicks Go stamina for sprint. Value at 10/1.
Post 8: Map of the Moon (ML 2/1)
Bay filly by Liam’s Map. Bred in Kentucky, weight 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last start speed figure 107 (elite, likely stakes-placed or win; assumed 1st). Classy.
Jockey: Axel Concepcion – Apprentice star (22% win rate); tactical.
Trainer: Kelsey Danner – Up-and-coming (20% win rate in stakes); hot barn.
Analysis: Favorite with figure and post; Liam’s Map progeny thrive on Tapeta. Short price justified.
