The Woodhaven Stakes, a $125,000 turf race for 3-year-olds, is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Aqueduct Race Park in New York. This one-mile inner turf contest marks the first turf stakes event of the season on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit, promising an exciting showdown among seven talented sophomores.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Time: 3:50 PM ET
- Distance: 1 mile (8 furlongs)
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: $125,000
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds
Contenders Overview
1. Septarian
- Pedigree: Protonico x Amadeus Melody (GB)
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Analysis: Septarian is making his turf debut, but his pedigree suggests he’ll thrive on the surface. Brown’s expertise in turf racing and Prat’s tactical riding make this colt a strong contender, especially with his inside post position.
2. End of Romance (IRE)
- Pedigree: Showcasing (GB) x Folk Melody (IRE)
- Trainer: Graham Motion
- Jockey: Manny Franco
- Analysis: A half-brother to Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, End of Romance boasts elite bloodlines. He finished third in his U.S. debut on synthetic at Turfway Park and is expected to improve on turf under Motion’s guidance.
3. Dream On
- Pedigree: Not This Time x Mamma Kimbo
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Analysis: Dream On is a Grade 1-placed colt seeking his first stakes win. He has shown promise on turf, including a third-place finish in the Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine. His recent form has been inconsistent, but Casse is optimistic about a rebound.
4. Revolutionnaire (FR)
- Pedigree: Penny’s Picnic (IRE) x Rive Neuve (FR)
- Trainer: Christophe Clement
- Jockey: Dylan Davis
- Analysis: Revolutionnaire has been steadily improving and enters this race with solid form. Clement’s record with turf horses and Davis’ ability to navigate traffic make this colt a sleeper pick.
5. Cairo Caper
- Pedigree: Cairo Prince x Summer Clothes
- Trainer: Phil Schoenthal
- Jockey: Victor Carrasco
- Analysis: Cairo Caper is a proven turf performer with a stakes win under his belt. His tactical speed and ability to handle firm turf conditions make him a serious contender.
6. Tiz Dashing
- Pedigree: Tiz the Law x Breaking Beauty
- Trainer: Barclay Tagg
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez
- Analysis: Tiz Dashing is third back in his form cycle and has been working impressively. His pedigree and Velazquez’s aggressive riding style could give him an edge in this competitive field.
7. Sounds Like a Plan
- Pedigree: Twirling Candy x Court Dress
- Trainer: Horacio De Paz
- Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
- Analysis: Sounds Like a Plan has shown flashes of talent but remains untested at this level. Carmouche’s ability to position his mount early could be key to his chances.
Race Outlook
The Woodhaven Stakes features a mix of proven turf performers and intriguing newcomers. Septarian and End of Romance bring pedigree and potential, while Dream On and Cairo Caper offer stakes experience. The pace is expected to be modest, favoring horses with tactical speed like Tiz Dashing and Septarian.
