The Barbara Fritchie Stakes at Laurel Park is set to take place on February 15, 2025. This race offers a purse of $200,000 and covers a distance of seven furlongs on dirt for fillies and mares, four years old and upward, which have not been permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time. Here’s a detailed strategic preview of the race:
Race Details:
- Purse: $200,000 (plus $200,000 – TTA – TX Thoroughbred Assoc.)
- Distance: Seven Furlongs (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward, which have not been permitted Lasix within 48 hours of Post Time
- Weight: 126 Lbs
- Entry Fees: $1,000 to pass the entry box, $1,000 additional to start, with $200,000 Guaranteed, of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth, and 1% to sixth. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 each will be accepted by the usual time of entry with all other fees due as noted.
- Weight Allowances: Non-winners of $100,000 twice in 2024-25, allowed 2 Lbs; one such race in 2024-25, 4 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming and Starter races not considered in estimating allowances.)
- Trophy: Trophy to the owner of the winner.
- Closed: Saturday, February 1st, 2025 with 18 nominations.
Top Contenders:
- Aussie Girl (PP: 1, 5/1)
- Jockey: Jevian Toledo
- Trainer: William Walden
- Pedigree: Starspangledbanner (AUS) – Ravissante (IRE) (by Galileo)
- Recent Form: Aussie Girl has shown strong performances and is a contender to watch.
- I’m a Cutie Pie (PP: 2, 20/1)
- Jockey: Carlos Eduardo Lopez
- Trainer: Annette M. Eubanks
- Pedigree: Mendelssohn – Adorable (by Smart Strike)
- Recent Form: I’m a Cutie Pie has been consistent and could surprise in this race.
- St. Benedicts Prep (PP: 3, 5/2)
- Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez
- Trainer: Linda Rice
- Pedigree: Flatter – Line (by War Front)
- Recent Form: St. Benedicts Prep has shown potential and is a strong contender.
- Mary Q (PP: 4, 15/1)
- Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez
- Trainer: Michael M. Moore
- Pedigree: Social Inclusion – Musket Mary (by Musket Man)
- Recent Form: Mary Q has shown promise and could perform well in this race.
- Irish Maxima (PP: 5, 1/1)
- Jockey: Frankie Pennington
- Trainer: John C. Servis
- Pedigree: Maximus Mischief – Palace Pier (by Out of Place)
- Recent Form: Irish Maxima has been impressive and is a top contender.
- Royal Spa (PP: 6, 4/1)
- Jockey: Sheldon Russell
- Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
- Pedigree: Violence – Bodacious Babe (by Mineshaft)
- Recent Form: Royal Spa has shown consistent performance and could be a dark horse in this race.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Aussie Girl likely to set the early pace, jockeys will need to position their mounts well to avoid getting caught in traffic.
- Mid-Race Moves: Look for horses like St. Benedicts Prep and Irish Maxima to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Mary Q and Royal Spa could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
