The Joshua Radosevich Memorial Stakes returns to Mahoning Valley Race Course on Saturday, December 21, showcasing a competitive field of Ohio-bred two-year-olds sprinting six furlongs on dirt. With a total purse of $75,000, including $26,250 contributed by the Ohio Thoroughbred Fund (OTF), this late-season juvenile feature promises high-speed drama and deep wagering intrigue.
Race Setup
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Surface: Dirt
- Eligibility: Ohio-bred 2-year-olds
- Weight Assignments:
- Standard: 122 lbs
- Fillies and specific runners: listed individually
- Entry Fees:
- Nomination: $50
- Entry: $263
- Start: $487
- Purse Breakdown:
- 1st: $45,000
- 2nd: $15,000
- 3rd: $7,500
- 4th: $3,750
- 5th: $2,250
- 6th: $1,500
Contender Lineup & Odds
| Horse | Sex | Wt (lbs) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just Like Rambo | G | 122 | P W Ouzts | L E Smith | 6/5 |
| Parlay | F | 119 | R Blanche | T E Hamm | 9/5 |
| Perfect Date | F | 115 | Y Aviles | J M Poole | 12/1 |
| So That’s That | G | 118 | J A Bracho | J M Poole | 15/1 |
| Colonel Cooper | G | 118 | D J Haldar | T E Hamm | 20/1 |
| Live a Little | G | 118 | A I Diaz | T E Hamm | 20/1 |
| Professor Nick | G | 118 | M Cedillo | R Zielinski | 20/1 |
| Right On the Munny | G | 118 | E Barbaran | R M Gorham | 20/1 |
| Ronnis Second Wind | G | 118 | S Gonzalez | R C Cline | 20/1 |
| Merger | G | 118 | T D Houghton | T E Hamm | 30/1 |
| Jac’s Empire | G | 118 | F Salazar Becerra | I Vazquez | 30/1 |
| Drill’s Boy | G | 118 | L A Batista | J A Romero | 30/1 |
| Gretchens Mane Man | G | 118 | L E Perez | R Zielinski | 30/1 |
| Kozy K | G | 118 | L Hernandez | L E Smith | 30/1 |
Race Outlook & Wagering Strategy
Front-Runners & Favorites
- Just Like Rambo (6/5) – Compact form and speed; expect him to push the pace under seasoned jockey P W Ouzts.
- Parlay (9/5) – A sharp filly from the T E Hamm barn; poised for a strong effort with a clean trip.
Mid-Range Value Plays
- Perfect Date (12/1) – Brings reliability and closing ability; solid shot to hit the board.
- So That’s That (15/1) – Late-closing style could shine if front-runners duel early.
- Colonel Cooper (20/1) – Has shown flashes of talent and makes a compelling case for exotic tickets.
Live Longshots
- Live a Little, Jac’s Empire, and Gretchens Mane Man – All have the potential to spice up trifectas and superfectas if they get the right pace scenario.
- Professor Nick, Merger, and Right On the Munny – Deep-cut threats who could capitalize if favorites falter late.
Final Thoughts
The Joshua Radosevich Memorial Stakes features a wide-open juvenile field with contrasting running styles and evolving talent. Expect an early pace duel from Just Like Rambo and Parlay, with closers like Perfect Date and So That’s That waiting in the wings. With several colts and fillies making their final 2YO appearance, smart jockey timing and race setup will be the key to victory.
