Cyclone State made a strong statement at Aqueduct on Saturday by winning the $150,000 Jerome Stakes, adding 10 qualifying points to his journey toward the 2025 Kentucky Derby. This win marked his third victory in a row, following successes in a maiden special weight race and an allowance race. Cyclone State’s impressive performance has him on track to become a serious contender for the Derby.
Cyclone State’s Victory in the Jerome Stakes
Cyclone State, trained by Chad Summers, quickly established himself as the leader in the Jerome Stakes. He broke out of the gate strong and stayed near the front, eventually taking control of the race. Jockey Luis Rivera Jr. led him to a 3 1/2-length victory in a time of 1:40.82 for the one-turn mile. Cyclone State’s victory was significant, as it earned him 10 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, moving him closer to making the cut for the race.
From the start, Cyclone State broke sharply and found himself in second place behind Enduring Spirit. He soon pushed ahead and claimed the lead, holding it throughout the race. The track conditions were challenging, with a deep and tiring surface, but Cyclone State handled it well, maintaining a solid pace and widening his lead to 5 1/2 lengths after three-quarters of a mile. As the race went on, Cyclone State increased his lead, ultimately finishing 8 lengths ahead of the competition.
The Road to Kentucky Derby 2025
Cyclone State’s victory in the Jerome Stakes is a big step in his path to the Kentucky Derby, but the journey is far from over. With 10 Derby points secured, he is in a strong position to continue his climb. Trainer Chad Summers noted that while this win was a good step, there are still more challenges ahead. The next big race on Cyclone State’s calendar is the Withers Stakes, where he can earn more Derby points and continue his development toward the biggest race of the year.
Cyclone State’s owners and trainers are also considering other options, including an international race—the Saudi Derby in February. Summers has had past success in the Middle East, and if Cyclone State is invited, this could offer an exciting opportunity to test him on a global stage.
The road to the Kentucky Derby requires at least 40 qualifying points, and Cyclone State now has a solid start with 10 points. The team will carefully plan his next steps to ensure that he stays on track and continues to improve. The upcoming races, especially the Withers Stakes, will be crucial as Cyclone State aims to build on his current momentum.
What’s Next for Cyclone State?
With a strong win in the Jerome Stakes, Cyclone State’s future in the Kentucky Derby 2025 looks promising. As the team focuses on his next moves, it’s clear that he has the potential to become one of the top contenders. Whether he competes in more prep races in the U.S. or heads to international competitions, Cyclone State’s impressive win has placed him firmly on the Kentucky Derby trail.
As he gains more experience, Cyclone State’s chances of a successful Derby run continue to grow. His fans and trainers are eager to see how he performs in the coming months as he builds his way to the first Saturday in May.
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