The Texas Derby at Lone Star Park is set for Monday, May 26, 2025, featuring a competitive field of ten 3-year-old colts and geldings racing 1 1/16 miles on dirt for a $300,000 purse. This stakes event has drawn a mix of promising young contenders, some of whom are looking to establish themselves as future stars on the road to summer racing glory.
Race Details
- Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
- Time: 5:55 PM CT
- Location: Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie, TX
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt)
- Grade: Unlisted Stakes
- Purse: $300,000
- Field Size: 10
Field Breakdown
1. Instant Replay (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Pedigree: Maximum Security – Academy Gal
- Overview: A well-bred colt with strong tactical speed, Instant Replay has shown promise in allowance races and could be a major factor here.
2. Mister Omaha (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Luis S. Quinonez
- Trainer: Joe S. Offolter
- Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Cosmic Code
- Overview: A lightly raced colt with potential, Mister Omaha will need a career-best effort to contend against this field.
3. Take Charge Tom (3YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Orlando Mojica
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
- Pedigree: Tom’s d’Etat – Gorgeous Ginny
- Overview: A strong closer, Take Charge Tom finished third in his last race, showing late acceleration.
4. Itsmybirthday (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
- Pedigree: Vekoma – After the Rose
- Overview: A front-runner, Itsmybirthday has shown early speed but will need to sustain his pace over the longer distance.
5. Texian Devil (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Erik Asmussen
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Honor A. P. – Luckycall
- Overview: A promising colt with strong pedigree, Texian Devil could be a serious contender if he gets a clean trip.
6. Royalist (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Miguel A. Perez
- Trainer: Eduardo Cruz
- Pedigree: Lord Nelson – Flowerful
- Overview: A longshot in the field, Royalist has struggled against stakes competition but could surprise with a strong trip.
7. Jolly Samurai (3YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Rene Diaz
- Trainer: Danny Pish
- Pedigree: First Samurai – Jolly Good
- Overview: A consistent performer in allowance races, Jolly Samurai will need a career-best effort to contend.
8. Indecisiveness (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Jesus M. Rios
- Trainer: Ruben Sierra
- Pedigree: Decisive Moment – Cafe de Nuit
- Overview: A lightly raced colt with potential, Indecisiveness has shown flashes of talent but will need to step up against this field.
9. Countthebrave (3YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Freddy Jose Manrrique
- Trainer: Austin Gustafson
- Pedigree: Speightster – She’s My First
- Overview: A strong closer, Countthebrave finished second in his last race, showing late acceleration.
10. Just Classic (3YO Colt, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: David Cabrera
- Trainer: H. Ray Ashford, Jr.
- Pedigree: Justify – Jenny’s Rocket
- Overview: A well-bred colt with strong tactical speed, Just Classic has shown promise in allowance races and could be a major factor here.
Race Analysis & Prediction
- Pace Scenario: Expect Itsmybirthday and Texian Devil to set the early pace, with Instant Replay and Just Classic tracking closely. Take Charge Tom and Countthebrave may sit mid-pack, while Indecisiveness and Jolly Samurai will likely close late.
- Key Matchup: The battle between Instant Replay and Just Classic will be crucial. If Instant Replay can replicate his allowance form, he could dominate, but Just Classic has the pedigree advantage.
- Prediction: Instant Replay has the class and consistency to secure another stakes victory, but Just Classic could challenge late. Texian Devil remains a wildcard with his recent strong form.
