The Wishing Well Stakes is a $125,000 listed event for fillies and mares 4 years old and up, contested at 6 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather Tapeta surface. This sprint attracts a competitive field of 11 contenders with a mix of synthetic specialists and turf routers stretching back in distance. Expect a fast pace from speed horses like Kehoe Beach and Lithe Spirit, potentially setting up for closers such as Ms. Tart or Velvet Devil. Lithe Spirit, with strong local form, looms as the one to beat, but value could lie in proven stakes performers like Sea Runner and Dala.
Venue Location
Turfway Park
7500 Turfway Rd
Florence, KY 41042 This all-weather facility, opened in 1959, features a one-mile Tapeta oval known for its consistency in winter racing. Capacity is around 10,000, with a focus on night cards during the holiday meet.
Post Time is scheduled for 9:25 PM ET (8:25 PM CT / 6:25 PM PT) First post is at 5:55 PM ET for a 10-race card, with this being the featured stakes event.
Expected Weather Conditions
Sunny with highs reaching 41°F and lows around 25°F. Light winds from the northwest at 5-8 mph, humidity near 65%, and no precipitation expected. Dry conditions will not impact the all-weather surface, though cooler temperatures could lead to slightly slower times.
Track Conditions
Expected fast all-weather (Tapeta). Turfway’s synthetic track is designed for year-round racing and typically plays fair, with no pronounced bias toward speed or closers in sprints. Recent cards have shown even footing after maintenance.
Betting Odds
| Post | Horse | M/L Odds |
| 1 | Sea Runner | 4/1 |
| 2 | Lithe Spirit | 5/2 |
| 3 | My Lil Punky | 5/1 |
| 4 | Kehoe Beach | 8/1 |
| 5 | Velvet Devil | 15/1 |
| 6 | Ms. Tart | 6/1 |
| 7 | Dala | 3/1 |
| 8 | Zadorsky | 12/1 |
| 9 | Fancy Caber Neigh | 8/1 |
| 10 | Baby No Worries | 12/1 |
| 11 | Moon Mystique | 15/1 |
Lithe Spirit is favored based on synthetic success, with Dala attracting action on speed figures. Expect overlays on mid-priced closers if pace collapses.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
Field of 11 fillies and mares on all-weather at 6 1/2 furlongs. Weights range from 117-124 lbs based on allowances. Below is a detailed breakdown, including starting position (post), recent finishes (last 5-10 races with date/track/finish/field/distance/surface/speed figure/comments), and analysis. Data from 2024-2026 performances.
1. Sea Runner (KY, 4yo Filly, Gun Runner – Cuyathy)
Jockey: Martin Garcia (122 lbs) – 22% win rate; excels in sprints with tactical speed.
Trainer: William E. Morey – 20% win rate; strong with shippers and synthetic runners.
Recent Finishes: Dec 17, 2025 TP (ALW), 1st/8, 6 1/2F synth, fig 114, “wired field impressively”; Oct 24, 2025 KEE (ALW), 11th/12, 1 1/16M turf, fig 94, “no rally”; Sep 16, 2025 IND (ALW), 5th/10, 1m turf, fig 99, “even effort”; Aug 9, 2025 DMR (AOC), 5th/9, 1m turf, fig 109, “tired late”; Jul 20, 2025 DMR (AOC), 5th/8, 1 1/16M turf, fig 98. Career: 12 starts, 2-0-2.
Analysis: Sharp last-out winner at this track/distance with top figure; rail draw suits front-running style. Morey/Garcia combo reliable; contender if she repeats.
2. Lithe Spirit (KY, 5yo Mare, Speightstown – Spooky Woods)
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos (124 lbs) – 18% win rate; patient rider for Asmussen barn.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen – 22% win rate; high-volume operation with stakes success.
Recent Finishes: Dec 21, 2025 TP (Holiday Inaugural LS), 4th/8, 6f synth, fig 109, “rallied late”; Jul 5, 2025 WO (Hendrie G3), 6th/7, 6 1/2F synth, fig 110, “faded”; Apr 13, 2025 KEE (Giant’s Causeway G3), 9th/10, 5 1/2F turf, fig 65, “no factor”; Mar 15, 2025 TP (Queen S.), 1st/9, 6f synth, fig 118, “dominant win”; Jan 26, 2025 TP (Wishing Well LS), 1st/10, 6 1/2f synth, fig n/a. Career: 20 starts, 7-2-1.
Analysis: Proven at Turfway with multiple stakes wins; post 2 allows stalking trip. Asmussen targets this meet; favorite with class edge.
3. My Lil Punky (KY, 4yo Filly, Outwork – Translator)
Jockey: Rafael Manuel Hernandez (122 lbs) – 23% win rate; strong finisher in routes/sprints.
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux – 19% win rate; emerging with synthetic specialists.
Recent Finishes: Dec 18, 2025 TP (AOC), 1st/7, 6f synth, fig 110, “strong win”; Apr 11, 2025 KEE (FanDuel Limestone S.), 12th/12, 5 1/2F turf, fig 67, “trailed”; Feb 8, 2025 TP (Valdale LS), 2nd/8, 6 1/2F synth, fig 106, “rallied well”; Jan 1, 2025 TP (Gowell Stakes LS), 3rd/9, 6f synth, fig 95, “closed for show”; Dec 13, 2024 TP (Alwoc), 1st/8, 6f synth, fig 96. Career: 9 starts, 3-2-2.
Analysis: Recent TP allowance winner; synthetic form solid. Hernandez/DeVaux dangerous; live if pace sets up.
4. Kehoe Beach (KY, 5yo Mare, Omaha Beach – Sweet Awakening)
Jockey: Luan Machado (124 lbs) – 21% win rate; Oaklawn/Turfway regular.
Trainer: Wesley A. Ward – 24% win rate; sprint expert with juveniles/older.
Recent Finishes: Aug 30, 2025 KYD (Ladies Turf Sprint G2), 7th/10, 6 1/2F turf, fig 105, “no rally”; Jul 20, 2025 WO (Connaught Cup G2), 4th/8, 7f turf, fig 126, “even”; Jun 6, 2025 SAR (Just A Game G1), 4th/9, 1m turf, fig 100, “closed mildly”; Apr 12, 2025 KEE (Jenny Wiley G1), 3rd/10, 1 1/16M turf, fig 117, “good effort”; Nov 29, 2024 CD (Mrs. Revere G2), 1st/8, 1 1/16M turf, fig 111. Career: 11 starts, 4-1-1.
Analysis: Graded stakes placer on turf; synthetic try off layoff. Ward’s speed; post 4 suits pressing.
5. Velvet Devil (KY, 4yo Filly, Kantharos – Tizlegal)
Jockey: Axel Concepcion (117 lbs) – 20% win rate; apprentice with upside.
Trainer: Michael A. Tomlinson – 17% win rate; consistent with claimers/stakes.
Recent Finishes: Jan 10, 2026 TP (Likely Exchange LS), 7th/10, 1m synth, fig 88, “faded”; Nov 24, 2025 MVR (Cheryl S. White Memorial S.), 2nd/8, 6f dirt, fig 124, “strong place”; Oct 19, 2025 KEE (ALW), 1st/9, 5 1/2F dirt, fig 104, “wired”; Sep 19, 2025 CD (ALW), 1st/7, 6f dirt, fig 102, “dominant”; Aug 4, 2025 ELP (Allow), 4th/8, 6 1/2F dirt, fig 108. Career: 8 starts, 3-2-0.
Analysis: Low figure last out; dirt form better. Tomlinson entry; longshot if rebounds.
6. Ms. Tart (KY, 5yo Mare, Maximus Mischief – Sheza Sweet Lemon)
Jockey: Edgar Morales (122 lbs) – 19% win rate; strong at Midwest tracks.
Trainer: John Ennis – 16% win rate; value with stakes fillies.
Recent Finishes: Dec 21, 2025 TP (Holiday Inaugural LS), 3rd/8, 6f synth, fig 110, “rallied for show”; Oct 23, 2025 KEE (ALW), 4th/9, 5 1/2F turf, fig 76, “even”; Sep 19, 2025 PID (Presque Isle Downs Masters G2), 9th/10, 6 1/2F synth, fig 112, “no factor”; Aug 18, 2025 PID (Satin and Lace S.), 1st/8, 6f synth, fig 118, “wired”; Jul 5, 2025 WO (Hendrie G3), 4th/7, 6 1/2F synth, fig 115. Career: 22 starts, 7-2-3.
Analysis: Consistent synthetic performer; recent TP show solid. Ennis/Morales; contender for exotics.
7. Dala (KY, 4yo Filly, Unknown breeding)
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez (122 lbs) – 18% win rate; aggressive style.
Trainer: Eoin G. Harty – 17% win rate; graded experience.
Recent Finishes: Limited details; recent allowance efforts show speed figs around 113. Career: Approx. 10 starts, 3-2-1.
Analysis: High speed fig suggests talent; post 7 may force wide trip. Harty entry; top choice on numbers.
8. Zadorsky (KY, 5yo Mare, Unknown breeding)
Jockey: Dylan Machado (122 lbs) – 16% win rate; patient rider.
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman – 15% win rate; emerging.
Recent Finishes: Limited details; consistent mid-level figs around 108. Career: Approx. 15 starts, 4-3-2.
Analysis: Steady performer; Beckman knows synthetics. Longshot for minors.
9. Fancy Caber Neigh (KY, 4yo Filly, Unknown breeding)
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz (122 lbs) – 20% win rate; Turfway regular.
Trainer: William E. Morey – See above; dual entry.
Recent Finishes: Limited details; stakes places with figs 113. Career: Approx. 12 starts, 3-3-1.
Analysis: Morey’s other; good speed. Post 9 suits closing; value play.
10. Baby No Worries (KY, 5yo Mare, Unknown breeding)
Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco (122 lbs) – 18% win rate; allowance specialist.
Trainer: Tim Girten – 16% win rate; underrated.
Recent Finishes: Limited details; figs around 105. Career: Approx. 18 starts, 5-4-2.
Analysis: Veteran; Girten targets this. Longshot if pace aids.
11. Moon Mystique (KY, 4yo Filly, Unknown breeding)
Jockey: Alex Achard (122 lbs) – 17% win rate; good in routes.
Trainer: Ethan W. West – 15% win rate; local.
Recent Finishes: Limited details; figs 111. Career: Approx. 10 starts, 2-2-2.
Analysis: Outside post hurts; West’s filly improving. Upset chance.
