Stakes Preview: Magic City Classic Stakes

The Magic City Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds is set to be an exciting race, featuring a competitive field of Alabama-bred horses vying for a purse of $75,000. The race, which will take place over a one-mile distance on dirt, is open to three-year-olds and upward. Here’s a preview of the key contenders and what to expect:

Race Details

• Race Name: Magic City Classic Stakes
• Location: Fair Grounds
• Purse: $75,000 (includes $32,900 from the purse account, $2,600 from other sources, and $4,500 from Arizona Horse Racing)
• Distance: One Mile
• Eligibility: Three-year-olds and upward, registered Alabama-breds
• Entry Fee: $300
• Weight:
  • Three-year-olds: 121 lbs
  • Older horses: 124 lbs
  • Allowances: Non-winners of $15,000 twice in 2023-2024: 2 lbs; Non-winners of such a race since then: 4 lbs

Top Contenders

1. Channelfortynine (AL)
   1. Post Position: 1
   1. Age/Sex: 3/Gelding
   1. Jockey: J A Guerrero
   1. Trainer: R P Ward
   1. Weight: 115 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 6/1
   1. Pedigree: Conan – Track Teller, by English Channel
2. Bobby Jr. (AL)
   1. Post Position: 2
   1. Age/Sex: 8/Gelding
   1. Jockey: R R Singh
   1. Trainer: S Savoie
   1. Weight: 118 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 12/1
   1. Pedigree: Indy – Blue Sunshine, by Johannesburg
3. Moor to Conquer (AL)
   1. Post Position: 3
   1. Age/Sex: 3/Filly
   1. Jockey: K Wellington
   1. Trainer: S Savoie
   1. Weight: 112 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 20/1
   1. Pedigree: Divide and Conquer – Moor N Mountain, by Peaks and Valleys
4. Unaffiliated (AL)
   1. Post Position: 4
   1. Age/Sex: 5/Gelding
   1. Jockey: J Barbosa
   1. Trainer: D Schmidt
   1. Weight: 118 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 15/1
   1. Pedigree: Americain – Track Teller, by English Channel
5. Aoide (AL)
   1. Post Position: 5
   1. Age/Sex: 3/Gelding
   1. Jockey: J Riquelme
   1. Trainer: J O Duhon
   1. Weight: 115 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 20/1
   1. Pedigree: Khozan – La Flor, by Street Sense
6. Wabash (AL)
   1. Post Position: 6
   1. Age/Sex: 3/Gelding
   1. Jockey: J Loveberry
   1. Trainer: J O Duhon
   1. Weight: 115 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 8/1
   1. Pedigree: Jess’s Dream – Sweet Buddha, by Buddha
7. Simplicated (AL)
   1. Post Position: 7
   1. Age/Sex: 4/Gelding
   1. Jockey: T S Albert
   1. Trainer: D Schmidt
   1. Weight: 118 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 20/1
   1. Pedigree: Chamois – Swift Prospect, by Fortunate Prospect
8. Uncle Brad (AL)
   1. Post Position: 8
   1. Age/Sex: 5/Gelding
   1. Jockey: J L Ortiz
   1. Trainer: J Wong
   1. Weight: 124 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 5/1
   1. Pedigree: Doc N Bubba G – Ausbrook, by Cryptoclearance
9. Dromas (AL)
   1. Post Position: 9
   1. Age/Sex: 3/Colt
   1. Jockey: C McMahon
   1. Trainer: S Savoie
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Morning Line Odds: 9/2
   1. Pedigree: Divide and Conquer – Vidi Vici, by Yes It’s True
10. Liken It (AL)
    1. Post Position: 10
    1. Age/Sex: 7/Gelding
    1. Jockey: D H Magnon
    1. Trainer: R Magnon
    1. Weight: 124 lbs
    1. Morning Line Odds: 4/1
    1. Pedigree: Doc N Bubba G – Ausbrook, by Cryptoclearance
11. Jovie G (AL)
    1. Post Position: 11
    1. Age/Sex: 3/Filly
    1. Jockey: M Murrill
    1. Trainer: J Wong
    1. Weight: 118 lbs
    1. Morning Line Odds: 9/2
    1. Pedigree: Doc N Bubba G – Ausbrook, by Cryptoclearance

Owners and Breeders

• Channelfortynine: Owned by Bobby G. Pruitt; bred by Bobby G. Pruitt
• Bobby Jr.: Owned by Live-Lee Farm (Lila Sessums); bred by Live-Lee Farm
• Moor to Conquer: Owned by Live-Lee Farm (Lila Sessums); bred by Live-Lee Farm
• Unaffiliated: Owned by Laurie Sanderson and Nanette C. Cartier; bred by Laurie Elaine Sanderson & Nanette Cathleen Cartier
• Aoide: Owned by Belinda Hubbell; bred by Kathleen Mordenti & Belinda Hubbell
• Wabash: Owned by Belinda Hubbell; bred by Belinda K. Hubbell
• Simplicated: Owned by Laurie Sanderson and Nanette C. Cartier; bred by Laurie Sand

Key Insights

• Uncle Brad stands out as the morning line favorite with odds of 5/1. With a solid weight of 124 lbs and a strong pedigree, Uncle Brad is expected to perform well1.
• Liken It is another strong contender with odds of 4/1. With a weight of 124 lbs and a proven track record, Liken It is a horse to watch1.
• Dromas and Jovie G both have odds of 9/2 and are expected to be competitive. Their trainers and jockeys have a good reputation, which adds to their appeal1.

Race Strategy

Given the competitive field, jockeys will need to employ strategic positioning and pacing to maximize their chances. The track condition is expected to be fast, which could favor horses with strong early speed.

Final Thoughts

The Magic City Classic Stakes promises to be an exciting race with a mix of seasoned contenders and promising newcomers. With a purse of $75,000, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.