The Top Flight Stakes, a listed stakes race at Aqueduct Race Park, is set to take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This race, run over 1 1/8 miles on dirt, is open to fillies and mares aged four and older, offering a purse of $150,000. The field features a mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars, making for an intriguing contest.
Field Overview
Alpine Princess
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Pedigree: By Classic Empire out of Le Moine (by Empire Maker)
Owner: Full of Run Racing II and Madaket Stables LLC
Analysis: A consistent performer with a strong pedigree, Alpine Princess has shown versatility and stamina. She will look to capitalize on her tactical speed in this field.
Catherine Wheel
Jockey: Eric Cancel
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Pedigree: By Into Mischief out of Succeeding (by Smart Strike)
Owner: Schermerhorn, Richard, Team Hanley, Thirty Year Farm, and Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings
Analysis: A lightly raced filly with immense potential, Catherine Wheel has the pedigree and connections to make a significant impact.
Elliptic
Jockey: Christopher Elliott
Trainer: Amelia J. Green
Pedigree: By Arrogate out of Redheads Rule (by Giant’s Causeway)
Owner: Lucky Hat Racing LLC
Analysis: A 5-year-old mare with a solid dirt record, Elliptic will need to step up her game to compete with the top contenders.
Headline Numbers
Jockey: Dylan Davis
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Pedigree: By Gun Runner out of Curlin’s Mistress (by Curlin)
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Analysis: A well-bred filly with a strong closing kick, Headline Numbers is expected to be a major player in this race.
Fade to Grey
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Pedigree: By Palace Malice out of Tapitinsilver (by Tapit)
Owner: WLIR Racing Stables
Analysis: A versatile runner with a solid dirt pedigree, Fade to Grey could be a sleeper pick with the right trip.
Fade to Grey
Jockey: Romero Ramsay Maragh
Trainer: Fernando Abreu
Pedigree: By The Factor out of Morning Rush (by Wild Rush)
Owner: Carol Reitman
Analysis: Known for her early speed, Miss Spitfire will likely try to set the pace and hold off the closers.
Race Dynamics
The Top Flight Stakes is expected to feature a mix of early speed and late closers. Horses like Miss Spitfire and Fade to Grey are likely to set the pace, while strong closers such as Headline Numbers and Catherine Wheel will look to capitalize on a fast early tempo. The 1 1/8-mile distance will test the stamina of the field, making positioning and jockey tactics crucial.
Key Contenders
Alpine Princess: With Brad Cox’s training expertise and Florent Geroux aboard, she is a top contender.
Headline Numbers: A strong closer with a stellar pedigree, she could thrive in this setup.
Catherine Wheel: Lightly raced but full of potential, she has the connections to shine.
Miss Spitfire: If she can control the pace, she could be tough to catch.
