The Parx Future Stars Stakes is a restricted stakes race for Pennsylvania-bred two-year-old colts and geldings, contested over 7 furlongs on dirt with a purse of $75,000.
This event is part of the Parx Winter Racing Festival and highlights promising young talent in the PA-bred program, with eligibility for horses that are Pennsylvania-sired and registered with the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA).
The field of nine includes recent stakes winners and improving maidens, setting up a competitive affair where early speed and stamina could be key. Favorites like Mailata and Red Zone Runner are likely to attract significant betting interest, but the race offers opportunities for value with up-and-coming
Venue Location
Parx Racing is located at 3001 Street Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020.
The track features a one-mile dirt oval with a chute for longer sprints like this 7-furlong contest, known for its fair surface that typically favors speed but can reward closers on off tracks.
Post Time: The race is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with a post time of 3:14 p.m. ET for Race 8.
This follows the standard Parx card, with the first post at 12:05 p.m. ET and races spaced approximately 30-40 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Bensalem, PA, on December 30, 2025, indicates mild but unsettled conditions, with a high around 48°F and lows in the upper 30s.
Around race time (3 p.m. ET), expect temperatures near 48°F with sprinkles possible under broken clouds, winds from the north at 19 mph, humidity at 59%, and a 42% chance of light precipitation (no measurable accumulation).
This could lead to cooler track temperatures and potential for light moisture.
Track Conditions
The main dirt track at Parx was muddy on December 29.
With the forecast calling for possible sprinkles, expect sloppy or muddy conditions on December 30, favoring horses with proven form on off tracks or strong wet-surface pedigrees (e.g., sires like Maximus Mischief or Practical Joke).
If drier, the track should play fast and fair.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field includes nine two-year-old colts and one gelding, all PA-eligible. Below is a breakdown by post position, including recent finishes (last 3-5 where available), style (e.g., speed, stalker), pedigree, and connections.
Many are lightly raced, so form and connections are key factors.
Post 1: Mailata (M/L Odds: 5/2, Adjusted: 2/1)
Horse Analysis: By Maximus Mischief out of Bouquet of Gold (Medaglia d’Oro), bred by Cash is King LLC & LC Racing Stable LLC. A speedy colt with a record of 3 starts (2 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds; 67% win rate). Recent finishes: 1st (Nov 2025, Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes, Parx, impressive win); 1st (Oct 2025, maiden breaker, Parx); 3rd (debut).
Front-runner style suits the inside post; strong wet pedigree. Owner: Cash is King LLC and LC Racing LLC.
Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez – Top Parx rider with 25% win rate; excels on speed horses.
Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr. – Experienced with juveniles (20% win rate); multiple entries here signal confidence.
Post 2: Tough Guy Tony (M/L Odds: 4/1, Adjusted: 7/2)
Horse Analysis: By Maximus Mischief out of Sweet Force (Sidney’s Candy), bred by Frankfort Park Farm. Record: 2 starts (1 win, 0 seconds, 0 thirds; 50% win rate). Recent finishes: 1st (Sep 2025, Delaware Park, muddy track win); other start at Monmouth/Parx.
Stalker with upside; mud affinity from sire. Owner: LC Racing LLC.
Jockey: Unknown – To be announced; expect a solid replacement from Reid barn.
Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr. – As above; strong with similar types.
Post 3: Connor’s Crew (M/L Odds: 8/1, Adjusted: 6/1)
Horse Analysis: By Warrior’s Reward out of Lady Terp (Birdstone), bred by Crane Thoroughbred Services LLC. Record: 2 starts (1 win, 0 seconds, 0 thirds; 50% win rate). Recent finishes: 1st (Dec 2025, Parx, recent win); prior maiden.
Improving stalker; good for distance. Owner: Cash is King LLC and LC Racing LLC.
Jockey: Abner Adorno – Consistent (15% wins); pairs well with Reid.
Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr. – As above; barn hot with juveniles.
Post 4: Red Zone Runner (M/L Odds: 9/2, Adjusted: 4/1)
Horse Analysis: By Practical Joke out of Look Deep (Petionville), bred by Arrowwood Farm, Inc. Record: 1 start (0 wins; debut). Recent finishes: Limited; blinkers on for first stakes try.
Potential closer; workouts suggest readiness. Owner: Thomas G. Coulter.
Jockey: Inoel Beato – Veteran (12% wins); good with closers.
Trainer: Erin C. McClellan – 15% win rate; develops young horses patiently.
Post 5: Freedom’s Echo (M/L Odds: 6/1, Adjusted: 5/1)
Horse Analysis: By Independence Hall out of Dani Mo (Union Rags), bred by Brian Keith Turman & Laurel Glen Farm. Record: 1 start (0 wins). Recent finishes: Debutante; no details, but pedigree for dirt.
Unknown style; first-timer risk. Owner: Nicholas Cammarano, Jr.
Jockey: Dexter Haddock – Reliable at Parx (10-15% wins).
Trainer: Guadalupe Preciado – 20% wins in sprints; strong local barn.
Post 6: Carnival Rock (M/L Odds: 8/1, Adjusted: 7/1)
Horse Analysis: By Rock Your World out of Filo Di Arianna (Karakontie), bred by Jay Goodwin & Tommy Walters. Record: 2 starts (1 win, 0 seconds, 0 thirds; 50% win rate). Recent finishes: 1st (recent maiden win); prior start.
Stalker with potential; distance suits. Owner: Calderon Racing Stables and Alejandro Vargas.
Jockey: Julio A. Hernandez – Solid mid-card rider (12% wins).
Trainer: Ivan Calderon – Focuses on value; good with young stock.
Post 7: Higher Sense (M/L Odds: 15/1, Adjusted: 12/1)
Horse Analysis: By Higher Power out of Taqseemaat (Street Sense), bred by Dr. Lyno E. Maraspin. Record: 1 start (0 wins). Recent finishes: Debut; limited form.
Longshot; may need race. Owner: Lyno E. Maraspin.
Jockey: Francisco Martinez – 10-15% wins; handles green horses.
Trainer: Miguel Penaloza – Emerging with 15% rate.
Post 8: Gavone (M/L Odds: 20/1, Adjusted: 15/1)
Horse Analysis: By Flameaway out of La Padrina (El Padrino), bred by Dennis Johnson. Record: 1 start (0 wins). Recent finishes: Debut; outsider.
Unknown; wide post hurts. Owner: Dennis Johnson.
Jockey: Melvis Gonzalez – Lower win rate; for longshots.
Trainer: Scott A. Lake – High-volume (18% wins).
Post 9: Live Stream (M/L Odds: 12/1, Adjusted: 10/1)
Horse Analysis: By Long River out of Goodnight Angel (Touch Gold), bred by Mr. & Mrs. Charles McGinnes. Gelding; record: 2 starts (1 win, 0 seconds, 0 thirds; 50% win rate). Recent finishes: 1st (recent maiden); prior.
Stalker; outside draw for rally. Owner: R J G Management LLC.
Jockey: Martina Rojas – Up-and-coming (15% wins).
Trainer: Murray L. Rojas – 10-15% wins with juveniles.
