Horse racing fans have a lot to look forward to as newly turned 3-year-old racehorses step into competitive action at the start of 2025. Some of these young horses come with impressive pedigrees, making them early contenders for the Kentucky Derby. Let’s dive into this week’s standout prospects.
Wednesday Highlights
Twenty Four Grand: A Sibling of Success
In Fair Grounds Race 5, Twenty Four Grand, a 3-year-old filly, enters a maiden claiming race over six furlongs. She’s a half-sister to Beer Can Man, a Grade 3 winner with over $601,000 in earnings. Although her last performance was underwhelming, her connections aim for improvement under trainer Whitney Zeringue Jr. at 15-1 odds.
Thursday Highlights
Starship Reality: Royal Pedigree
At Turfway Park, Starship Reality, a 5-year-old mare out of Grade 3 winner Hessonite, debuts in Race 9. This Union Rags offspring boasts a strong lineage, making her one to watch in her maiden claiming event.
Jam’s Paper Moon: Sibling of a Grade 1 Winner
At Gulfstream Park, Jam’s Paper Moon competes in Race 7. This 4-year-old filly is a half-sister to Duopoly, a Grade 1 winner. Trainer Brendan Walsh and jockey Tyler Gaffalione team up to improve her performance after a disappointing December start.
Friday Highlights
Chowser: A Colt with Potential
In Aqueduct Race 2, Chowser, a 3-year-old Constitution colt, debuts in a maiden special weight event. He’s a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Ms Locust Point, and his connections are optimistic about his chances.
Empressstrikesback: Dorth Vader’s Half-Sister
Gulfstream Race 6 showcases Empressstrikesback, a 3-year-old filly debuting at 6 1/2 furlongs. As the half-sister to Dorth Vader, a Grade 2 winner, she carries high expectations.
Saturday Highlights
McAfee: A Rising Star on the Derby Trail
In Aqueduct’s Jerome Stakes, McAfee, the half-brother to Thorpedo Anna, seeks his first stakes win and valuable Kentucky Derby points. After a narrow loss at Churchill Downs in November, this son of Cloud Computing is poised to shine with jockey Jose Antonio Gomez.
Hypnus and Genuine Gomo: Sons of Grade 1 Champions
Oaklawn Race 1 features Hypnus, an Into Mischief colt, while Gulfstream Race 8 highlights Genuine Gomo, an Authentic colt. Both debut with strong pedigrees that signal bright futures.
Sunday Highlights
El Zain: Premium Purchase with a Winning Lineage
In Gulfstream Race 10, El Zain, a 4-year-old filly, makes her debut. As a $700,000 purchase and the daughter of Grade 1 winner Centre Court, she’s a standout prospect. Trainer Brendan Walsh and jockey John Velazquez aim to guide her to a strong performance in this one-mile turf race.
The future of horse racing looks bright with these young stars stepping onto the track. From maiden claimers to the prestigious Jerome Stakes, their performances this week could shape their paths to racing stardom, including a shot at the Kentucky Derby. Keep an eye on their journeys as they work to make their mark on the sport.
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