Race Details
- Date: Saturday, May 11, 2025
- Time: 2:46 PM ET
- Venue: Belmont at the Big A
- Distance: 6 furlongs (Turf)
- Purse: $150,000
- Eligible Horses: 3-year-old fillies
The Take The A Train Stakes is a newly introduced stakes race at Belmont at the Big A, designed to showcase promising sophomore fillies on turf. With a competitive field of emerging talent, this race could serve as a stepping stone for future graded stakes contenders.
Contenders Overview
1. Bunratty Manor (IRE)
- Sire: No Nay Never
- Dam: Sapphire Ring (Galileo)
- Trainer: George Arnold
- Jockey: Jose Lezcano
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 6th in the Sanibel Island Stakes (Gulfstream Park)
Bunratty Manor has shown promise, winning a maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park before stepping up in class. Her pedigree suggests a strong turf affinity, with No Nay Never producing elite sprinters and Galileo adding stamina. She will need to improve off her last effort but has the potential to contend.
2. Marvelous Madison (USA)
- Sire: Caravaggio
- Dam: Shea Darby (Street Sense)
- Trainer: Bill Mott
- Jockey: Junior Alvarado
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 10th in her last outing
Marvelous Madison is lightly raced, with just two career starts. She won her debut impressively but struggled in her second outing. Caravaggio’s progeny tend to excel on turf, and Mott’s training expertise could help her rebound.
3. Spirited Boss (USA)
- Sire: War Front
- Dam: Bossy Belle (Unbridled’s Song)
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Weight: 120 lbs
- Recent Form: Winner of the Sanibel Island Stakes (Gulfstream Park)
Spirited Boss enters as the likely favorite, having won the Sanibel Island Stakes in her last start. War Front’s offspring are known for their turf prowess, and Chad Brown excels with turf runners. Castellano’s tactical riding could be key in securing another victory.
4. Candy Quest (USA)
- Sire: Twirling Candy
- Dam: Questing Star (Medaglia d’Oro)
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 2nd in the Sanibel Island Stakes (Gulfstream Park)
Candy Quest has been consistent, finishing second in her last race behind Spirited Boss. Twirling Candy’s progeny tend to be versatile, and Ortiz Jr.’s aggressive riding style could help her turn the tables on her rival.
5. Civetta (USA)
- Sire: Kitten’s Joy
- Dam: Bella Notte (More Than Ready)
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Recent Form: 3rd in the Sanibel Island Stakes (Gulfstream Park)
Civetta has been steadily improving, finishing third in her last outing. Kitten’s Joy is a premier turf sire, and Clement’s expertise with turf horses makes her a strong contender.
Race Prediction & Strategy
- Spirited Boss appears to be the strongest contender based on recent form and pedigree.
- Candy Quest could challenge late, given her consistency.
- Civetta has the pedigree and trainer to be a factor.
- Bunratty Manor is a dark horse with potential upside.
