Event: Leonatus Stakes Location: Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky Date: January 18, 2025 Distance: One Mile (All Weather Track) Purse: $125,000 (includes $25,000 Kentucky TB Development Fund) Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds Weight: 118 lbs (some with allowances)
Horse, Trainer, and Breeder Details
| P# | PP | Horse | Age | S | Jockey | Wgt | Trainer | M/L | Owner | Breeder | Pedigree (Sire – Dam, by Dam Sire) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Chunk of Gold (KY) | 3 | C | Luan Machado | 118 | Ethan West | 6/1 | Terry L. Stephens | Brereton C. Jones | Preservationist – Play for Gold, by Cairo Prince |
| 2 | 2 | Baby Max (KY) | 3 | C | Abel Cedillo | 118 | Kelsey Danner | 12/1 | J S Stables, LLC | Westbrook Stables, LLC | Maximus Mischief – Lemon Gal, by Lemon Drop Kid |
| 3 | 3 | Up to No Good (KY) | 3 | G | Santo Sanjur | 118 | Keith Kinmon | 15/1 | Keith Kinmon | Keith Kinmon | Lord Nelson – Bards Misschief, by Into Mischief |
| 4 | 4 | Banks (KY) | 3 | G | Adam Beschizza | 120 | Joe Sharp | 2/1 | Tom Lambro | E.H. Beau Lane | Outwork – Blip Says Bye, by Fed Biz |
| 5 | 5 | Shan (KY) | 3 | C | Albin Jiminez | 118 | Ed Moger, Jr. | 20/1 | Steve Moger | Heiligbrodt Racing Stable | Shancelot – Kada, by Violence |
| 6 | 6 | Can’t Deny It (KY) | 3 | G | Gerardo Corrales | 118 | Larry Rivelli | 5/2 | Patricia’s Hope, LLC & Craftyhorse Racing, LLC | Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt | Justify – Moth (IRE), by Galileo (IRE) |
| 7 | 7 | Church and State (KY) | 3 | G | Rafael Hernandez | 118 | Dale Desruisseaux | 3/1 | Centennial Farms, Inc. – Niagara | DP Racing, LLC | Caravaggio – Full Snow Moon, by Vindication |
| 8 | 8 | Hard as Life (KY) | 3 | C | Walter A. Rodriguez | 118 | Michelle Nihei | 10/1 | Circle 8 (Troy Levy) | Tropical Racing | Gun Runner – Dreaming as Always, by Broken Vow |
Race Analysis
This year’s Leonatus Stakes features a competitive field of promising three-year-olds, each bringing unique strengths to Turfway Park’s all-weather track. Here’s a detailed look at the key contenders:
- Banks (2/1), under the training of Joe Sharp and ridden by Adam Beschizza, is the morning line favorite. This gelding has shown impressive form, breaking his maiden win and later securing a first-level allowance victory3. His consistency and strong performance make him a formidable contender.
- Can’t Deny It (5/2), trained by Larry Rivelli and jockeyed by Gerardo Corrales, brings significant potential to the race. With a pedigree of Justify and Moth (IRE), his ability to handle the all-weather track and strong finishing kick are notable.
- Church and State (3/1), trained by Dale Desruisseaux and ridden by Rafael Hernandez, is another top contender. This gelding has shown promising performances, securing a maiden special weight victory and a first-level allowance win in Canada.
- Hard as Life (10/1), trained by Michelle Nihei and ridden by Walter A. Rodriguez, could be an intriguing upset. His pedigree and recent form suggest he has the potential to surprise the field.
Trainer Highlights
- Joe Sharp‘s entry with Banks highlights his ability to prepare top-notch contenders for stakes races. Banks’ recent victories at Turfway Park have solidified his reputation as a serious contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
- Larry Rivelli has prepared Can’t Deny It to perform consistently and strong over various distances. His training acumen will be crucial in navigating the one-mile distance.
