The Skipat Stakes at Pimlico Race Course is a $125,000 stakes race for fillies and mares, aged three and up, contested over six furlongs on dirt. This sprint event is a key feature on Preakness weekend, attracting talented female sprinters looking to establish themselves in the division.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Apple Picker (Trainer: Brittany T. Russell | Jockey: Sheldon Russell)
- Pedigree: Connect – Silent Fright
- Recent Form: 5th in the Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes.
- Analysis: A consistent performer with local experience. Needs to improve off her last effort but has the ability to contend.
2. Happy Clouds (Trainer: Ryan A. Gillespie | Jockey: Jacqueline A. Davis)
- Pedigree: Paynter – Two to One
- Recent Form: 2nd in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Laurel Park (April 27, 2025).
- Analysis: Has shown strong recent form and could be a factor with a well-timed move.
3. One Magic Philly (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Pedigree: Good Magic – My Philly Girl
- Recent Form: 6th in the 2024 La Brea Stakes (G1).
- Analysis: A well-bred filly with graded stakes experience. Needs to bounce back from her last effort but has the talent to compete.
4. Disco Ebo (Trainer: Robert E. Reid Jr. | Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez)
- Pedigree: Weigelia – Katarica Disco
- Recent Form: 1st in the Primonetta Stakes.
- Analysis: A proven sprinter with strong recent form. Likely to be one of the top contenders in this race.
5. Zeitlos (Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen | Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz)
- Pedigree: Curlin – Thyme For Roses (AUS)
- Recent Form: 7th in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).
- Analysis: A talented mare with graded stakes experience. Could be a major player if she returns to top form.
6. Admiral Hopper (Trainer: Justin J. Nixon | Jockey: Weston Hamilton)
- Pedigree: Field Commission – Flower Class
- Recent Form: 3rd in the Primonetta Stakes.
- Analysis: A solid performer with good sprinting ability. Needs to step up against tougher competition.
7. Striker Has Dial (Trainer: Horacio De Paz | Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche)
- Pedigree: Dialed In – Lotta Lolly
- Recent Form: 1st in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Aqueduct (March 22, 2025).
- Analysis: A lightly raced but promising sprinter. Could be a factor if she continues her upward trajectory.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a fast early pace, with Disco Ebo and Striker Has Dial likely to push forward.
- Key Contenders: Disco Ebo is the horse to beat, but Zeitlos and Happy Clouds could pose a challenge.
- Potential Longshot: Apple Picker has local experience and could surprise with a well-timed move.
