Race Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM ET
- Venue: Willowdale Steeplechase, Kennett Square, PA
- Distance: 2 1/4 miles (Timber)
- Purse: $15,000
- Eligible Horses: 4-year-olds & up
The Willowdale Steeplechase Stakes is a timber race, meaning horses will navigate solid wooden fences rather than traditional hurdles. This race is a test of endurance and jumping ability, favoring experienced steeplechasers with strong stamina.
Contenders Overview
1. King of the Kids (MN)
- Sire: Lemon Drop Kid
- Trainer: Cyril Murphy
- Jockey: E. Scully
- Recent Form: 6-year-old gelding, rated 158 lbs
King of the Kids has solid timber experience, with Lemon Drop Kid’s pedigree providing both stamina and durability. He enters as one of the top-rated horses in the field.
2. Decisive Triumph (KY)
- Sire: Kitten’s Joy
- Trainer: M. Beecher
- Jockey: B. Owings
- Recent Form: 12-year-old gelding, rated 158 lbs
Decisive Triumph is the oldest horse in the field, bringing veteran experience. His sire, Kitten’s Joy, is known for producing turf specialists, but his endurance could be an asset.
3. Two Past Eight (GB)
- Sire: Sir Percy (GB)
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: L. Carberry
- Recent Form: 5-year-old gelding, rated 156 lbs
Two Past Eight has European jumping experience, making him a strong contender. Sir Percy’s progeny tend to excel in longer races.
4. Beat Le Bon (FR)
- Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB)
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: D. McDonough
- Recent Form: 9-year-old gelding, rated 154 lbs
Beat Le Bon has proven stamina, with Wootton Bassett’s pedigree suggesting he will thrive over longer distances.
5. Tufton Avenue (IRE)
- Sire: Valirann (FR)
- Trainer: T. McKenna
- Jockey: C. Tierney
- Recent Form: 8-year-old gelding, rated 154 lbs
Tufton Avenue has Irish timber experience, making him a serious contender.
6. Recoup (GB)
- Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
- Trainer: K. S. Neilson
- Jockey: M. Boucher
- Recent Form: 6-year-old gelding, rated 152 lbs
Recoup enters in strong form, having won his last race convincingly. Sea The Stars’ pedigree suggests he will thrive over longer distances.
7. Icandothat (MD)
- Sire: Divining Rod
- Trainer: S. McDermott
- Jockey: TBD
- Recent Form: 6-year-old gelding, rated 149 lbs
Icandothat has shown flashes of talent, but he will need to step up against this competitive field.
8. Chosen Judge (IRE)
- Sire: Rule of Law
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: J. Canavan
- Recent Form: 6-year-old gelding, rated 157 lbs
Chosen Judge has European jumping experience, making him a strong contender.
9. Bright Eyed Eagle (IRE)
- Sire: Gleneagles (IRE)
- Trainer: K. S. Neilson
- Jockey: C. Marshall
- Recent Form: 8-year-old gelding, rated 148 lbs
Bright Eyed Eagle has solid credentials, with Gleneagles’ lineage providing both speed and stamina.
Race Prediction & Strategy
- King of the Kids appears to be the strongest contender based on recent form and pedigree.
- Chosen Judge and Recoup could challenge late, given their consistency.
- Beat Le Bon has the pedigree and trainer to be a factor.
- Decisive Triumph is a dark horse with potential upside.
