The Wishing Well Stakes is a prominent sprint for fillies and mares four years old and up, rescheduled from January 24 due to weather cancellations. This $125,000 black-type event covers 6 1/2 furlongs on Turfway’s all-weather Tapeta surface, attracting a field of 10 experienced sprinters. The race often favors tactical speed on the synthetic track, where early position can be key in the short stretch. With a mix of closers and pace-pressers, expect a contested pace that could set up for a late runner if the fractions are hot.
Venue: Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky.
Post Time is scheduled for 6:25 PM ET (post time approximate; confirm via track updates).
Race Details: 6 1/2 furlongs on all-weather Tapeta, purse $125,000 (includes $25,000 KTDF supplement), for fillies and mares 4YO and up.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts for Florence, KY, indicate typical late-January conditions: mostly cloudy with highs around 40°F (4°C) and lows near 25°F (-4°C). Winds light at 5-10 mph from the north. There’s a 30% chance of light snow or flurries, but accumulation is unlikely. If precipitation occurs, it could slightly soften the Tapeta, but the all-weather surface handles moisture well without major biases.
Track Conditions
Turfway’s Tapeta surface is all-weather and expected to be fast, as it drains efficiently and maintains consistency in cold weather. Recent meets show no significant rail bias, with winners coming from various paths. Closers have fared well in sprints, but speed holds if uncontested. Monitor for any scratches or changes via Equibase or the track’s social media.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
The field of 10 features proven synthetic performers and turf-to-all-weather crossovers. Below is a breakdown by post position, including horse, age/sex, sire, trainer, jockey, weight (all carry 120 lbs), recent finishes (last three races with date, track, position, and notes where available), and analysis. Analyses incorporate form, synthetic affinity, and connections’ track records.
PP 1: Baby No Worries (7YO Mare, Sire: Mr Speaker)
Trainer: Tim Girten (solid with claimers and sprinters, 15% win rate at Turfway).
Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco (aggressive rider, 18% wins on synthetics).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/21/25, Turfway Park, allowance, strong finish); 3rd (11/15/25, Fair Grounds, stakes, closed well); 2nd (10/5/25, Churchill Downs, allowance, just missed).
Analysis: Veteran mare with consistent late kick on synthetics. Girten’s horses often peak in winter meets, and Carrasco can position her off the pace from the rail. Her Mr Speaker breeding aids stamina in sprints, but she needs a clean trip to avoid traffic. Solid exotic contender if the pace collapses.
PP 2: Ms. Tart (5YO Mare, Sire: Maximus Mischief)
Trainer: John Ennis (experienced with mid-level stakes, 16% at Turfway).
Jockey: Edgar Morales (local specialist, 20% win rate here).
Recent Finishes: 3rd (12/21/25, Turfway Park, Holiday Inaugural S., $24,400, competitive); 1st (11/20/25, Presque Isle Downs, allowance, wire-to-wire); 4th (10/5/25, Woodbine, stakes, faded late).
Analysis: Speedy type who thrives on all-weather. Ennis preps well for home track, and Morales knows how to rate her. Maximus Mischief progeny excel in sprints, but she can be vulnerable if pressured early. Post 2 helps her save ground; live if she shakes loose.
PP 3: Zadorsky (5YO Mare, Sire: Tapiture)
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman (emerging trainer, 14% with fillies).
Jockey: Diego Machado (reliable, 17% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 4th (12/13/25, Aqueduct, Go for Wand S., graded, even effort); 5th (11/15/25, Churchill Downs, Chilukki S., off pace); 3rd (10/15/25, Keeneland, allowance, rallied).
Analysis: Versatile stalker with Tapiture’s durability on synthetics. Beckman has her in good form, and Machado can time a move. Recent graded tries show class, but she needs softer fractions to hit the board. Mid-pack post suits; value for exotics.
PP 4: Velvet Devil (4YO Filly, Sire: Kantharos)
Trainer: Michael A. Tomlinson (consistent at Midwest tracks, 15% synthetics).
Jockey: Alberto Concepcion (up-and-coming, strong finisher).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (12/15/25, Mahoning Valley, allowance, close miss); 1st (10/19/25, Keeneland, maiden, impressive debut win); 4th (9/20/25, Churchill Downs, maiden, learning).
Analysis: Lightly raced filly stepping up in class. Tomlinson develops sprinters well, and Concepcion fits her closing style. Kantharos breeding screams speed, but as a 4YO, she’s improving. Outer post could force wide trip; upset chance if maturing.
PP 5: Fancy Caber Neigh (6YO Mare, Sire: Mendelssohn)
Trainer: William E. Morey (Turfway expert, 22% win rate locally).
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz (top rider, 25% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 1st (8/30/25, Kentucky Downs, allowance, strong); 2nd (7/15/25, Ellis Park, stakes, good effort); 1st (6/10/25, Indiana Grand, allowance, dominant).
Analysis: Mendelssohn mare with tactical speed and Turfway affinity. Morey’s barn dominates winter meets, and De La Cruz is a perfect match. Recent turf form translates to synthetics; post 5 ideal for stalking. Strong win threat if fit off layoff.
PP 6: Sea Runner (4YO Filly, Sire: Gun Runner)
Trainer: William E. Morey (see above, doubles up).
Jockey: Martin Garcia (veteran, 19% synthetics).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/18/25, Del Mar, allowance, wire); 4th (10/25/25, Santa Anita, stakes, even); 2nd (9/23/25, Del Mar, allowance, close).
Analysis: Gun Runner filly with closing punch. Morey’s second entry, Garcia adds experience. West Coast form could shine on Tapeta; post 6 allows tracking trip. Contender if pace is honest.
PP 7: Lithe Spirit (5YO Mare, Sire: Speightstown)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer, 20% at Turfway).
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos (solid, 16% wins).
Recent Finishes: 6th (12/21/25, Turfway Park, stakes, off form); 1st (11/15/25, Turfway Park, Queen S., win); 1st (10/20/25, Keeneland, allowance, streak).
Analysis: Speightstown speedster on a roll before recent dip. Asmussen wins these spots, Ramos reliable. Synthetic suits; wide post ok for her style. Top pick rebounding.
PP 8: Dala (5YO Mare, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: Eoin G. Harty (Godolphin affiliate, 18% fillies).
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez (emerging star, 21% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 1st (1/7/26, Turfway Park, allowance, sharp); 1st (12/9/25, Fair Grounds, stakes, dominant); 3rd (9/23/25, Belmont, allowance).
Analysis: Hard Spun mare with class from Godolphin. Harty targets synthetics, Rodriguez hot. Recent wins show peak form; post 8 may require ground-saving. Major player.
PP 9: Kehoe Beach (5YO Mare, Sire: Omaha Beach)
Trainer: Wesley A. Ward (sprint specialist, 23% synthetics).
Jockey: Luan Machado (local, 19% wins).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (12/17/25, Woodbine, stakes, strong); 1st (11/29/24, Churchill Downs, Mrs. Revere S., graded win); 1st (10/15/25, Keeneland, allowance).
Analysis: Omaha Beach mare with graded credentials. Ward excels in sprints, Machado fits. Turf form adapts; wide post challenge but closing ability helps. Favorite potential.
PP 10: Moon Mystique (4YO Filly, Sire: Malibu Moon)
Trainer: Ethan W. West (developing, 14% at Turfway).
Jockey: Axel Achard (consistent, 15% wins).
Recent Finishes: 1st (8/24/25, Ellis Park, allowance, win); 3rd (7/15/25, Indiana Grand, stakes); 4th (6/10/25, Horseshoe Indianapolis, allowance).
Analysis: Malibu Moon filly stepping up. West’s horses improve, Achard patient. Recent turf wins; outermost post tough for stalker. Longshot for board.
