Venue Location: Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky, USA. This historic all-weather track, owned by Churchill Downs Inc., features a one-mile synthetic surface known for its consistency and fairness, especially in winter conditions.
Scheduled Post Time: Approximately 9:25 PM ET (first race at 5:55 PM ET, with races spaced about 30 minutes apart).
Expected Weather Conditions: Mostly clear skies with mild temperatures for late February. Daytime highs around 62°F, cooling to lows near 32°F by evening. For the race time, expect around 45-50°F with light winds and no precipitation, creating ideal conditions for racing without impacting the synthetic track.
Track Conditions: All-weather synthetic surface, expected to be listed as Fast. Turfway’s Polytrack-equivalent surface drains well and remains consistent regardless of weather, favoring horses with good tactical speed and stamina over the mile distance.
The Wintergreen Stakes is a $125,000 guaranteed event (including $25,000 from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund) for fillies and mares aged 4 and up, contested over 1 mile on the all-weather track. This non-graded but black-type stakes attracts a mix of proven synthetic specialists and turf routers trying the surface. The field of 7 features a competitive group, with favorites likely to set a moderate pace in a race that often rewards closers if the early fractions are honest. Purse distribution emphasizes top finishers, and the synthetic footing levels the playing field for horses shipping in from dirt or turf campaigns.
Below is a summary table of the entrants, followed by detailed analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer.
| Post Position | Horse Name | Age/Sex | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds | Recent Finishes (Last 3 Races: Date, Track, Distance, Position/Field, Notes) |
| 1 | Devassa (BRZ) | 5/M | W A Rodriguez | P H Lobo | 7/2 | 1/27/26 TP 1m AW Allow 1/8 (wire-to-wire win); 12/15/25 CD 1m1f Dirt Stakes 3/10 (rallied late); 11/2/25 Kee 1m Turf Allow 2/9 (strong close) |
| 2 | Wrigleyville (KY) | 5/M | S Marin | T F Proctor | 5/1 | 2/14/26 TP 1m AW Claim 1/7 (easy victory); 1/18/26 FG 1m Turf Allow 4/11 (even effort); 12/20/25 OP 1m Dirt Allow 2/8 (pressed pace) |
| 3 | Kiss Me Again (KY) | 5/M | E Morales | J Blair | 20/1 | 2/7/26 TP 6.5f AW Claim 5/9 (faded late); 1/10/26 TP 1m AW Allow 6/10 (off slow); 12/5/25 CD 1m Dirt Claim 3/7 (mild rally) |
| 4 | Literate (KY) | 6/M | L Machado | B H Cox | 7/5 | 1/31/26 TP 1m AW Stakes 1/9 (dominant win); 12/28/25 CD 1m1f Dirt G3 2/12 (just missed); 11/23/25 Aqu 1m Turf Allow 1/10 (sharp form) |
| 5 | Stylish Sue (KY) | 5/M | R M Hernandez | J Sharp | 4/1 | 2/20/26 TP 1m AW Allow 2/8 (good try); 1/24/26 OP 1m Dirt Allow 1/9 (stalked and pounced); 12/12/25 FG 7f Turf Claim 3/10 (solid effort) |
| 6 | Settling Storm (KY) | 6/M | M Garcia | P Matejka | 8/1 | 2/13/26 TP 1m AW Claim 3/8 (closing kick); 1/17/26 TP 6f AW Allow 4/9 (speed duel); 12/18/25 CD 1m Dirt Claim 1/7 (front-running) |
| 7 | Storm Miami (IRE) | 5/M | V R Carrasco | A J Green | 8/1 | 2/6/26 TP 1m AW Allow 2/10 (battled gamely); 1/3/26 GP 1m Turf Stakes 5/12 (traffic trouble); 11/15/25 Bel 1m Dirt Allow 3/9 (steady run) |
Detailed Analysis
1. Devassa (BRZ) – 7/2 ML
This Brazilian-bred mare has shown versatility across surfaces, with a strong affinity for synthetic tracks like Turfway’s. Her recent wire-to-wire win at Turfway on January 27 demonstrates sharp current form and tactical speed, which could allow her to control the pace from the inside post. However, she carries equal weight and might face pressure early. Jockey Walter A. Rodriguez (win rate ~18% at Turfway) excels in front-running rides and has a good rapport with international shippers. Trainer Paulo H. Lobo (20% win rate in stakes) specializes in South American imports and has conditioned Devassa to peak fitness after a solid third in a dirt stakes at Churchill. Best chance if she gets loose on the lead; vulnerable to closers if the pace heats up.
2. Wrigleyville (KY) – 5/1 ML
A consistent performer on synthetic, Wrigleyville comes off an easy claiming win at Turfway on Valentine’s Day, where she rated kindly and exploded late. Her prior turf and dirt efforts show adaptability, but she thrives at this mile distance (3-for-5 lifetime). Post 2 offers a ground-saving trip. Jockey Santiago Marin (15% win rate) is known for patient rides and could position her mid-pack for a late run. Trainer Thomas F. Proctor (18% with route specialists) has her in top shape after a brief freshening; he’s won similar stakes here before. Solid value play if the favorites falter; expect her to hit the board.
3. Kiss Me Again (KY) – 20/1 ML
Longshot alert: This mare has struggled in recent starts, fading in sprints and allowances at Turfway, but her third in a Churchill claimer suggests she can rally when the pace melts down. Recent finishes indicate she’s better suited to shorter distances, and the mile might stretch her stamina. Post 3 could help her save ground early. Jockey Edgar Morales (solid 16% at the meet) often maximizes underdogs, but he’ll need a perfect trip. Trainer John Blair (10% win rate) focuses on claimers and might be outclassed here, though he’s hit with longshots before. Upset potential low; more likely for minor awards if traffic opens up.
4. Literate (KY) – 7/5 ML
The morning-line favorite and class of the field, Literate enters off a dominant stakes win at Turfway on January 31, where she toyed with allowance-level foes. Her runner-up in a G3 at Churchill shows graded quality, and she’s 4-for-6 on synthetic. Carries top weight (124 lbs) but earns it with superior speed figures. Post 4 is ideal for stalking. Jockey Luan Machado (22% win rate at Turfway) is a track specialist with excellent timing on closers. Trainer Brad H. Cox (28% in stakes, multiple Turfway winners) has her razor-sharp; his barn dominates winter meets. Top pick; hard to beat if she repeats her last effort.
5. Stylish Sue (KY) – 4/1 ML
Well-bred and in form, Stylish Sue nearly won a Turfway allowance on February 20, finishing a close second after a wide trip. Her Oaklawn win in January highlights her dirt prowess, but she’s adapted well to synthetic (2-for-4). Post 5 allows flexibility. Jockey Rafael M. Hernandez (19% win rate) brings big-race experience from Woodbine and excels in tactical scenarios. Trainer Joe Sharp (17% with mares) has sharpened her closing kick; he’s had success in Midwest stakes. Contender for the win if the pace sets up; expect a strong late charge.
6. Settling Storm (KY) – 8/1 ML
Veteran mare with a knack for synthetic routes, Settling Storm rallied for third in a recent Turfway claimer and won a similar spot at Churchill in December. Her sprint effort in January was subpar due to a hot pace, but the mile suits her grinding style. Post 6 might force a wide run. Jockey Martin Garcia (16% win rate) is aggressive and could press early. Trainer Pavel Matejka (14% in allowances) knows the local circuit well and has conditioned her for consistency. Live at odds; could surprise if the frontrunners tire.
7. Storm Miami (IRE) – 8/1 ML
Irish import with European turf form, Storm Miami showed promise in her Turfway debut on February 6, finishing a game second despite a slow start. Her Gulfstream stakes run was hindered by traffic, but she rallied well at Belmont in November. Synthetic should suit her pedigree. Post 7 is outside but allows a clean trip. Jockey Vladimir R. Carrasco (15% win rate) handles Euro shippers adeptly. Trainer Anthony J. Green (12% with imports) has acclimated her quickly; he’s won with similar types. Upside potential; value for exotics if she improves second off the layoff.\
Overall, this shapes up as a tactical affair with Literate as the one to beat, but Devassa’s speed and Stylish Sue’s closing punch could challenge.
