Race Overview
Race Name: Pucker Up Stakes (Grade III)
Track: Ellis Park, Henderson, KY
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Purse: $400,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:42 PM CT
Field Size: 10 runners
Bonus: Winner earns automatic berth into the Grade III Dueling Grounds Oaks at Kentucky Downs
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Liam in the Dust
Pedigree: Liam’s Map × Whisper Louise
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Jockey: Cristian Torres
Form: 12723×8261
Notes: Comes off a sharp allowance win at Churchill Downs. Brisset is strong with turf fillies. Could be a pace factor.
2. Drop the Hammer
Pedigree: Gun Runner × Secret Quality
Trainer: Mike Maker
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Form: 8×51661
Notes: Improving filly with tactical speed. Maker excels in turf stakes. Dangerous if she gets loose early.
3. Destino d’Oro
Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro × Heart of Destiny
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Form: 13×1
Notes: Eye-catching last-to-first win at Churchill. Stakes-placed in the Jessamine (G2). Cox is elite in turf routes. Top contender.
4. Princess Attitude
Pedigree: Frankel (GB) × Keertana
Trainer: Victoria Oliver
Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Form: 42×24132
Notes: Consistent filly with strong pedigree. Finished second in the Tepin Stakes. Will be closing late.
5. Fixin to Bee
Pedigree: Mshawish × Susie Bee
Trainer: George R. Arnold II
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Form: 541664×154
Notes: Calumet Farm homebred with turf experience. Leparoux is a turf master. Could sneak into the exotics.
6. Just Ruthless
Pedigree: Justify × Notorious R B G
Trainer: Destin Heath
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Form: 21518033
Notes: Solid allowance form but needs a step up. Justify progeny are improving on turf. Fringe contender.
7. Deloraine
Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) × Elaine’s Cat
Trainer: Eoin Harty
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Form: 831x1333x4
Notes: Stakes-experienced filly with solid turf record. Bejarano adds confidence. Could hit the board.
8. Admit
Pedigree: Blame × Profess
Trainer: Tom Drury Jr.
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Form: 121-115
Notes: Claiborne Farm homebred with strong allowance win. Proven at Turfway and Churchill. Live threat.
9. Nosleeptilbrooklyn
Pedigree: Ghostzapper × Brooklynsway
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Declan Cannon
Form: 1st, IND alw OC
Notes: Lightly raced filly with upside. Ghostzapper progeny thrive on turf. Needs pace to close into.
10. Hereforagoodtime
Pedigree: Justify × First Hour
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Form: 3rd, Regret Stakes (G3)
Notes: Stakes-placed filly with strong connections. Gaffalione is elite on turf. Will be flying late.
| Position | Horse | Reasoning |
| 1st | Destino d’Oro | Class edge, elite trainer, explosive turn of foot |
| 2nd | Admit | Consistent form, strong pedigree, top rider |
| 3rd | Hereforagoodtime | Stakes experience, closing style, Gaffalione factor |
Win Bet: Destino d’Oro
Exacta Box: Destino d’Oro / Admit / Hereforagoodtime
Trifecta Play: Destino d’Oro over Admit and Hereforagoodtime
Longshot to Watch: Princess Attitude – Frankel pedigree and consistent form
