The Grade III Dust Commander Stakes at Turfway Park is set to be an exciting race with a purse of $125,000 for four-year-olds and upward. The race will be run over one and one-sixteenth miles on an all-weather track.
Key Details:
- Purse: $125,000 (includes $25,000 – KTDF – Kentucky TB Devt Fund)
- Distance: One and one-sixteenth miles
- Eligibility: Four-year-olds and upward
- Entry Fee: $750 to enter, $750 additional to start
- Guaranteed Prize: $125,000, with $78,750 to the winner, $25,000 to second, $12,500 to third, $8,750 to fourth, and $5,000 to fifth
- Weight: 122 lbs
- Allowances: Non-winners of a Graded Stakes allowed 2 lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes allowed 4 lbs. Maiden and Claiming races not considered in allowances1.
- Trophy: Awarded to the winning owner
- Nominations Closed: Saturday, February 1st, 2025, with 12 nominations
Contenders:
- Tapit Shoes (KY) – Jockey: E A Roman, Trainer: E Moger, Jr.
- Pedigree: Tapit – Awesome Flower, by Flower Alley
- Odds: 9/2
- Chiron (KY) – Jockey: S Doyle, Trainer: R Estvanko
- Pedigree: Protonico – Deeds Not Words, by Street Sense
- Odds: 20/1
- Hush of a Storm (NY) – Jockey: V Cheminaud, Trainer: B H Cox
- Pedigree: Creative Cause – Hush Now, by Flatter
- Odds: 3/1
- Prince of Power (KY) – Jockey: S Sanjur, Trainer: J Esquivel
- Pedigree: Runhappy – Demigoddess, by First Dude
- Odds: 15/1
- Groveland (KY) – Jockey: I Moncada, Trainer: E G Harty
- Pedigree: Street Sense – Lucknow, by Medaglia d’Oro
- Odds: 15/1
- Ocean Pointe (KY) – Jockey: J D Ramos, Trainer: R Estvanko
- Pedigree: Kitten’s Joy – West Palm Beach (IRE), by Scat Daddy
- Odds: 20/1
- Santorini (KY) – Jockey: A Achard, Trainer: R Brisset
- Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Giant’s Jewel, by Giant’s Causeway
- Odds: 5/1
- Stitched (KY) – Jockey: G Saez, Trainer: G D Foley
- Pedigree: Mizzen Mast – Walking Miracle, by Into Mischief
- Odds: 15/1
- Bourbon Day (KY) – Jockey: L Machado, Trainer: M J Maker
- Pedigree: Race Day – Penrose, by Lemon Drop Kid
- Odds: 6/1
- Yamato (KY) – Jockey: G Corrales, Trainer: M J Maker
- Pedigree: Artie Schiller – Lil Miss Moxie, by Shaniko
- Odds: 4/1
Analysis:
- Hush of a Storm is the favorite with strong odds and a solid track record at Turfway Park. He has shown consistent performance and is a proven winner on this track.
- Yamato is another strong contender with multiple wins and competitive odds. He has shown versatility and could be a top pick.
- Tapit Shoes and Santorini have also shown promise and could be worth considering for those looking for value picks.
- Chiron and Groveland are long shots but could surprise if they have a good day.
