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Home / News / 2025 Blue Grass Stakes: Updated Predictions for a Sloppy Track

2025 Blue Grass Stakes: Updated Predictions for a Sloppy Track

Race of the Day Picks and Predictions Canva

Thanks for the heads-up about the weather forecast for Lexington, Kentucky, on April 5, 2025, during the Blue Grass Stakes. Thunderstorms from April 3 through race day could indeed turn the Keeneland dirt track into muddy or sloppy conditions, which might affect how the horses perform. Since my initial analysis using Equibase PPs didn’t account for an off track, let’s revisit the analysis with this in mind. I’ll focus on how each contender might handle a wet surface based on pedigree, running style, and any available clues from the PPs, while keeping the core evaluation intact.

NOTE: The analysis and predictions are for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee, implied or otherwise, for success using this prediction. Do your own research and wager responsibly. TheFreePPs.com nor any of its principals are responsible for any losses that may be incurred using this information.

Updated Analysis with Wet Track Consideration

1. River Thames (#1, Red)

  • Pedigree: By Maclean’s Music (sire known for speed) out of a Discreet Cat mare. Maclean’s Music offspring tend to favor fast tracks, but Discreet Cat adds some stamina, which could help in slop.
  • Running Style: Tactical speed, can lead or stalk. His Fountain of Youth second (98 speed figure) was on a fast track, but he showed grit late, suggesting adaptability.
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet dirt starts, but his NY-bred toughness and recent works (e.g., 5F in 1:00.51) indicate he’s fit.
  • Adjustment: Still a top contender, but lack of wet experience is a slight concern. Ortiz’s skill could mitigate this.

2. Render Judgment (#2, White)

  • Pedigree: By Blame (strong stamina, won on wet tracks) out of a Commissioner mare. Blame’s progeny often handle off tracks well.
  • Running Style: Midpack grinder, excels at 1 1/8 miles. His Virginia Derby second (90) was on dirt, and he won at Keeneland (1 1/16 miles, 90).
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet dirt starts, but pedigree screams mud potential, and McPeek’s horses often thrive in tough conditions.
  • Adjustment: Moves up slightly. His distance affinity and pedigree make him a sleeper in the slop.

3. Burnham Square (#3, Blue)

  • Pedigree: By Liam’s Map (versatile, some wet track success) out of a Scat Daddy mare (adds speed and adaptability). Solid mud potential.
  • Running Style: Presser with early speed. Won the Holy Bull (91) and faded to fourth in the Fountain of Youth (93), both on fast tracks.
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet starts, but his sharp 5F work (:59.60) and Hernandez’s local expertise help.
  • Adjustment: Holds steady. Could press the pace if he takes to the slop, but unproven.

4. Owen Almighty (#4, Yellow)

  • Pedigree: By Speightstown (speed-oriented, mixed wet track results) out of a Bayern mare (stamina boost). Bayern won the BC Classic in the slop, a big plus.
  • Running Style: Front-runner. His Tampa Bay Derby win (98) was dominant on a fast track, and he’s consistent (3-1-1-0 in 2025).
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet starts, but his 5F bullet (1:00.75) and pedigree suggest he could wire a sloppy field.
  • Adjustment: Stays a top pick. His speed could be amplified on an off track if he breaks cleanly.

5. East Avenue (#5, Green)

  • Pedigree: By Medaglia d’Oro (stamina, excels in mud) out of a Ghostzapper mare (versatile, wet track ability). Top-tier mud pedigree.
  • Running Style: Stalker/closer. Won the Breeders’ Futurity (97) at Keeneland on fast dirt, but faded in the Risen Star (71) at 1 1/8 miles.
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet starts, but blinkers on and a bullet 4F (:47) at Keeneland signal intent.
  • Adjustment: Bumps up. His pedigree and Keeneland win make him a bigger threat in the mud.

6. Chancer McPatrick (#6, Purple)

  • Pedigree: By McKinzie (emerging sire, untested widely) out of a Bernardini mare (stamina, mud ability). Bernardini won the Preakness in the slop.
  • Running Style: Versatile, can stalk or close. Second in the Tampa Bay Derby (93) and G1 wins (Champagne, Hopeful) show class.
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet starts, but his 4F (:48.80) work and Prat’s finesse are assets.
  • Adjustment: Remains a top contender. Mud could suit his closing kick, especially with Prat aboard.

7. Admiral Dennis (#7, Orange)

  • Pedigree: By Constitution (versatile, some mud success) out of a Union Rags mare (stamina, wet track potential). Decent mud outlook.
  • Running Style: Midpack mover. Won an AOC (83) and was sixth in the Rebel (93), both on fast tracks.
  • Wet Track Clue: No wet starts, but a 5F work (:59.40) and Cox’s training keep him in play.
  • Adjustment: Still a longshot. Mud might help, but he needs more to challenge the leaders.

Revised Predicted Order of Finish

  1. Owen Almighty (#4) – His front-running style and Bayern mud influence keep him atop. If he gets loose on a sloppy lead, he’s tough to catch.
  2. Chancer McPatrick (#6) – Bernardini’s mud prowess and Prat’s ability to close late elevate him. Could capitalize if the pace collapses.
  3. East Avenue (#5) – Medaglia d’Oro’s mud mastery and Keeneland affinity push him up. Blinkers might refocus him.
  4. River Thames (#1) – Ortiz keeps him competitive, but unproven wet track ability drops him slightly.
  5. Render Judgment (#2) – Blame’s mud pedigree and distance fit make him a sneaky board hitter.
  6. Burnham Square (#3) – Speed could play in the slop, but he’s less proven than the top tier.
  7. Admiral Dennis (#7) – Mud might not be enough to bridge the class gap.

Updated Betting Strategy

  • Win/Place: Owen Almighty (#4) – Still the horse to beat, especially if he loves the slop.
  • Exacta Box: Owen Almighty (#4) / Chancer McPatrick (#6) / East Avenue (#5) – Mud movers get priority.
  • Longshot to Show: Render Judgment (#2) – Pedigree and McPeek’s knack for preps make him intriguing at 20-1.

Rationale for Adjustments

The thunderstorms favor horses with stamina-laden pedigrees (e.g., Blame, Medaglia d’Oro, Bernardini) and those who can handle a grueling pace on a tiring track. Owen Almighty’s speed holds firm, but closers like Chancer McPatrick and East Avenue gain ground with mud in play. Render Judgment sneaks up as a value play. River Thames and Burnham Square drop slightly due to untested wet track form, though their connections keep them relevant.

What’s your take on the weather’s impact? Any specific horse you’re worried about or bullish on in the slop?