Race Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 4:30 PM ET
- Venue: Gulfstream Park
- Distance: 5 furlongs (Turf)
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligible Horses: 2-year-olds
The Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes is a key early-season test for juvenile turf sprinters, offering an automatic berth into one of six juvenile races at Royal Ascot in June. The winner also receives a $25,000 travel stipend to compete in England.
Top Contenders & Analysis
1. Sandal’s Song (USA)
- Sire: Mendelssohn
- Trainer: George Weaver
- Jockey: TBD
- Recent Form: First career start
Sandal’s Song is a highly regarded debut runner, trained by George Weaver, who won both Royal Palm races two years ago. His sire, Mendelssohn, was a Grade 1-winning turf miler, making him well-suited for this distance.
2. Beers On Me (USA)
- Sire: TBD
- Trainer: Luis Mendez
- Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez
- Recent Form: 2nd in a Gulfstream Maiden Special Weight (April 18, 2025)
Beers On Me missed by a head in his debut against fellow Royal Palm Juvenile contender Squire. Mendez has a strong record with early-season juveniles, making him a serious threat.
3. Win N Juice (USA)
- Sire: Win Win Win
- Trainer: Nolan Ramsey
- Jockey: Miguel Vasquez
- Recent Form: First career start
Win N Juice debuts off a series of strong workouts, including bullet moves at Gulfstream. His sire, Win Win Win, was a stakes-winning turf miler, making him well-suited for this race.
4. Squire (USA)
- Sire: Leinster
- Trainer: Patrick Biancone
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Recent Form: 1st in a Gulfstream Maiden Special Weight (April 18, 2025)
Squire won his debut impressively, rallying to defeat Beers On Me by a head. His sire, Leinster, was a multiple graded stakes-winning turf sprinter, making him a strong contender.
5. Chasing My Dream (USA)
- Sire: Win Win Win
- Trainer: J. David Braddy
- Jockey: Leonel Reyes
- Recent Form: First career start
Chasing My Dream was a $180,000 purchase at the Ocala March sale, making him the highest-priced runner in the field. His sire, Win Win Win, was both a stakes-winning turf miler and Grade 1 Forego winner sprinting on dirt.
6. Fuzzy Stare (USA)
- Sire: Hootenanny
- Trainer: Wesley Ward
- Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
- Recent Form: First career start
Fuzzy Stare is trained by Wesley Ward, who has had immense success with juvenile turf sprinters. His sire, Hootenanny, won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, making him a strong contender.
Race Prediction & Strategy
- Squire and Beers On Me appear to be the strongest contenders based on recent form.
- Fuzzy Stare could challenge late, given Ward’s success with juvenile turf sprinters.
- Chasing My Dream has the pedigree and price tag to be a factor.
- Win N Juice is a dark horse with potential upside.
