The Mineshaft Stakes, a Grade III race at Fair Grounds Race Course, is set to take place on February 15, 2025. This race is a $250,000 purse event for four-year-olds and older, covering a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles. The race has attracted a competitive field of eight horses, each with their own strengths and potential to shine.
Key Contenders:
- Catching Freedom (Post Position 5):
- Trainer: Brad Cox
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Morning Line Odds: 3/1
- Pedigree: Constitution – Catch My Drift (by Pioneerof the Nile)
- Recent Form: After a successful 3-year-old campaign, Catching Freedom returns from an eight-month layoff. He won the Louisiana Derby last year and finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness. He’s a strong contender with a proven track record.
- Hall of Fame (Post Position 4):
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Morning Line Odds: 4/1
- Pedigree: Gun Runner – Flag Day (by Giant’s Causeway)
- Recent Form: Hall of Fame has shown impressive form recently, winning his last two starts in allowance company, including a 6 1/2-length victory at Fair Grounds. He’s a solid contender with a strong finish.
- Tuscan Sky (Post Position 3):
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Morning Line Odds: 9/2
- Pedigree: Vino Rosso – South Andros (by Sky Mesa)
- Recent Form: Tuscan Sky has shown potential with three wins in seven races, including a victory in the Pegasus at Monmouth. He’s a lightly raced horse with room to improve.
- Batten Down (Post Position 7):
- Trainer: Bill Mott
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Morning Line Odds: 4/1
- Pedigree: Tapit – Close Hatches (by First Defence)
- Recent Form: Batten Down has proven effective at longer distances and has shown strong performances in graded stakes races. He’s a reliable contender with a solid track record.
- Maycocks Bay (Post Position 6):
- Trainer: Michael Stidham
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Morning Line Odds: 10/1
- Pedigree: Speightstown – Hallie Belle (by Medaglia d’Oro)
- Recent Form: Maycocks Bay has shown resilience and consistency, overcoming challenging race conditions. He’s a horse to watch with potential for a strong finish.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Catching Freedom and Batten Down likely to set the early pace, jockeys will need to be strategic in positioning their mounts to avoid getting caught in traffic.
- Mid-Race Moves: Hall of Fame and Tuscan Sky may make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Maycocks Bay and Komorebino Omoide could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
