Horse Racing Preview: Toboggan Stakes at Aqueduct

The Toboggan Stakes at Aqueduct promises to be an exhilarating race for four-year-olds and upward, covering seven furlongs with a generous purse of $175,000. The race will not allow Lasix within 48 hours of post time, as per HISA Rule 4212.

The race is open by subscription, with a fee of $175 for nominations, $875 to pass the entry box, and an additional $875 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental nomination payment of $875, plus the entry and starting fees, can be made any time before the closing of entries.

The purse distribution is as follows: 55% to the owner of the winner, 20% to second place, 12% to third, 6% to fourth, 4% to fifth, and 3% divided equally among the remaining finishers. The weight for the race is set at 124 lbs, with allowances for non-winners of a graded sweepstake in 2024-25 allowed 2 lbs, of a sweepstake other than State-bred in 2024-25 allowed 4 lbs, and of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or State-bred allowance since June 1, 2024 allowed 6 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner.

The race closed with 21 nominations on January 18, 2025.

Contenders:

1. Maximus Meridius (PA) – Jockey: M J Sanchez, Trainer: R E Reid, Jr.
2. Full Moon Madness (KY) – Jockey: K Carmouche, Trainer: M Nevin
3. Castle Chaos (KY) – Jockey: M Franco, Trainer: R N Falcone, Jr.
4. Coastal Mission (WV) – Jockey: A Bocachica, Trainer: J C Runco
5. Runninsonofagun (KY) – Jockey: R Silvera, Trainer: J T Toscano, Jr.
6. Nelson Avenue (KY) – Jockey: J Lezcano, Trainer: W Potts
7. Gun It (KY) – Jockey: S Civaci, Trainer: I Kantarmaci

Breeders:

1. Maximus Meridius – Westerly Farm
2. Full Moon Madness – Jay Em Ess Stable
3. Castle Chaos – Dragon Slayer Stable
4. Coastal Mission – Coleswood Farm, Inc.
5. Runninsonofagun – Dattt Farm LLC
6. Nelson Avenue – Godolphin
7. Gun It – Three Chimneys Farm, LLC and Besilu Stables, LLC

Pedigrees:

1. Maximus Meridius – Maximus Mischief – Quiet Virtue, by Quiet American
2. Full Moon Madness – Into Mischief – By the Moon, by Indian Charlie
3. Castle Chaos – Palace Malice – Queen Victoria, by Flatter
4. Coastal Mission – Great Notion – Smart Crowd, by Crowd Pleaser
5. Runninsonofagun – Gun Runner – Golden Artemis, by Malibu Moon
6. Nelson Avenue – Into Mischief – Via Strata, by Street Cry (IRE)
7. Gun It – Tapit – Miss Besilu, by Medaglia d’Oro

With a field filled with seasoned competitors, the Toboggan Stakes at Aqueduct is set to deliver an unforgettable race. Keep an eye on these contenders as they vie for victory and the lucrative purse.