The Blitzen Stakes at Parx Racing is set to take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with a purse of $75,000. This race is open to three-year-olds and older horses, covering a distance of seven furlongs on dirt.
Race Details:
- Purse Distribution: $75,000 guaranteed, divided as follows:
- 60% to the winner
- 20% to second place
- 10% to third place
- 6% to fourth place
- 4% to fifth place
- All starters finishing outside the top five will receive $1,000 each
- Weights:
- Three-year-olds: 121 lbs
- Older horses: 124 lbs
- Additional weight: Winners of a sweepstakes in 2023-2024 carry an extra 2 lbs
- Non-winners of $30,000 in 2024: Allowed 3 lbs (excluding Maiden, Claiming, and Starter Races)
- Maidens: Allowed 6 lbs
- Entry Fees:
- Subscription: $50 (to accompany the nomination)
- Supplemental nomination fee: $250 (prior to closing of entries)
- Entry box fee: $100 (additional $100 to start)
- Field Size: A maximum of 14 horses will be drawn. If the race overfills, preference will be given to graded/group stakes winners, followed by stakes winners, and then stakes-placed horses.
Contenders:
- Nelson Avenue (KY) – Jockey: J Lezcano, Trainer: Wayne Potts, Weight: 121 lbs
- One More Scoop (PA) – Jockey: A Wolfsont, Trainer: K. A. Demasi, Weight: 126 lbs
- Bump N Run (MD) – Jockey: A Adorno, Trainer: Timothy J. Shaw, Weight: 124 lbs
- Far Mo Power (PA) – Jockey: D Haddock, Trainer: Louis C. Linder, Jr., Weight: 126 lbs
- Veeson (PA) – Jockey: S Gonzalez, Trainer: E. Padilla, Weight: 126 lbs
- Maximus Meridius (PA) – Jockey: R E Reid, Jr., Weight: 121 lbs
- Tudox Opportunity (PA) – Jockey: J Torres, Trainer: E Perez, Weight: 126 lbs
- Windsor Gold (PA) – Jockey: K Carmouche, Trainer: M M Moore, Weight: 124 lbs
- Mastermind (KY) – Jockey: L M Ocasio, Trainer: J M Bullock, Weight: 121 lbs
Pedigrees:
- Nelson Avenue: Into Mischief – Via Strata (by Street Cry)
- One More Scoop: Uncle Lino – Single Scoop (by Scrimshaw)
- Bump N Run: Tapiture – Trish’s Wish (by Smoke Glacken)
- Far Mo Power: Uncle Lino – J. D. Safari (by Power by Far)
- Veeson: Il Villano – Springingintherein (by Spring At Last)
- Maximus Meridius: Maximus Mischief – Quiet Virtue (by Quiet American)
- Tudox Opportunity: Hoppertunity – Distinct Sparkle (by With Distinction)
- Windsor Gold: Golden Lad – English Mum (by Congrats)
- Mastermind: Will Take Charge – Solid Gold (by Street Sense)
Race Outlook:
The Blitzen Stakes promises to be an exciting race with a competitive field of horses. Nelson Avenue is the morning-line favorite, coming off a strong performance in the Cigar Mile. Far Mo Power, despite a long layoff, has shown the ability to win off breaks, and Tudox Opportunity has been in good form with three wins in his last four dirt appearances.
The race will test the speed and stamina of the participants, and it will be interesting to see if any long shots can upset the favorites. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising contenders, the Blitzen Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling event.
