Crudo

Owner: Bobby Flay, James Ventura
Breeders: Orpendale, Chelston, Wynatt
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez

Biography

Crudo, a bay colt, enters the 2025 Belmont Stakes as a lightly raced but promising contender, trained by Todd Pletcher, a four-time Belmont Stakes winner. Sired by Triple Crown winner Justify, Crudo has shown significant potential in his brief career, with two victories in three starts, including a stakes win in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on Preakness day. Owned by Bobby Flay and James Ventura, Crudo was a $350,000 purchase at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale. Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale, Chelston, and Wynatt, he carries a pedigree rich in classic potential. His recent performances suggest he’s improving rapidly, but the Belmont’s 1 ¼-mile distance and elite competition will test his ability to step up against proven runners like Sovereignty and Journalism.

Pedigree

Crudo
├── Sire: Justify
│   ├── Sire: Scat Daddy
│   └── Dam: Ghostzapper
└── Dam: Blossomed
    ├── Sire: Deputy Minister
    └── Dam: Texas Cinema

Pedigree Analysis

Crudo is sired by Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner, whose progeny, including 2025 Kentucky Derby runner-up Fierceness, have shown both speed and stamina at classic distances. Justify, by Scat Daddy, imparts versatility, with his offspring excelling in routes and sprints alike. Crudo’s dam, Blossomed (by Deputy Minister), adds stamina to the pedigree, having also produced Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner. Blossomed’s sire, Deputy Minister, is a proven broodmare sire known for contributing endurance, as seen in horses like Curlin and Rags to Riches. The dam’s dam, Texas Cinema, strengthens the female line with additional stakes-producing quality. The combination of Justify’s brilliance and Blossomed’s staying power makes Crudo well-suited for the Belmont’s 1 ¼-mile distance, though his limited experience will be a factor against seasoned rivals.

Outlook for Belmont Stakes

Crudo enters the 2025 Belmont Stakes at 15-1 odds, reflecting his status as an up-and-coming colt with only three starts. His decisive win in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico demonstrates his ability to handle stakes company, but his speed figures lag behind the 101 average typically required to win the Belmont. Trained by Todd Pletcher, who has a proven track record in this race, and ridden by John Velazquez, Crudo benefits from top connections. His pedigree, anchored by Justify’s Triple Crown credentials, suggests the 1 ¼-mile distance is within reach, but his inexperience and the leap to face elite runners like Sovereignty and Journalism pose significant challenges. Recent workouts at Saratoga show sharpness, particularly his bullet :47.4 breeze on May 8, 2025. Crudo’s potential for improvement makes him an intriguing longshot, but he’ll need a career-best effort to contend.

Racing Record

• Career: 3 starts – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 0 thirds – $130,148
• Notable Wins: Sir Barton Stakes (2025, Pimlico, 1⅛ miles)
• Recent Performance: Won the Sir Barton Stakes on May 17, 2025, at Pimlico, showing determination to hold off challengers. Previously won a maiden special weight at Keeneland on April 19, 2025, with ease.
• Last Race: Sir Barton Stakes, May 17, 2025 (1st)