Stogie's Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, May 24, 2025

Churchill Downs Race 9 Keertana Stakes

4 Strikingly Spun gets the tepid nod in this evenly matched race. This mare has never raced this far, but it looks like a horse that would appreciate the added distance. She outran her odds last out when finishing a fast closing third in the Tom Benson Stakes at the Fair Grounds. She fits well here. Win Contender
5 Marksman Queen appears to be the controlling speed in here and will need to slow it down on the front end to get the W. I believe this gal has an excellent chance to go gate-to-wire versus this field. Win Contender
6 Sugaree was able to close into a pedestrian pace at Keeneland and defeat 9 rivals in Allowance company. This Irish bred has run two solid races in a row and appears to be moving in the right direction. She should get a better pace set up today and likely will be a player at the wire. Don’t Ignore.

5 Sunset Grazen is one of a few in here who is proven at two turns. Filly exits from two very sharp second-place finishes, one on the turf and one on the main track. This Filly is versatile and has only finished out of the money once in 8-lifetime starts. Top Pick
1 Lady Mendelssohn regressed last out when taking on winners for the first time over the turf here at Santa Anita. The trainer tries this Filly on the dirt for the first time. She has a solid work tab and the very good Hector Berrios is in the irons. If this daughter of Mendelssohn takes to the surface switch, she can make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot
7 Miso Phansy drops in class after losing by just a nostril in the Grade 3 Honeymoon on the green. This Filly has a strong record on the turf but for some reason, her trainer tries the dirt today on just 6 days rest. This trainer has won in the past off a short rest, so who am I to question him? Use with Caution

4 Kings River Knight is the two-time defending champ who looks a cut above his rivals today. He is just faster than the competition he faces today. Top Pick
2 Coalinga Road is a cagey 8-year-old veteran who rarely runs a bad race. His problem is that he is a closer who is pace-dependent. If this pace heats up early, I love his chances late. Win Contender
6 Clouseau was claimed two races back and this one’s connections seem a bit ambitious to place this guy versus the top pair. This one should pick up a minor award here. Use Underneath.

6 Cali Cat seems like the logical choice here as this Roan just ran a game second versus open-company in a local Stakes here on the downhill turf. He should relish running back with Cal Breds. He’s never been this far but is bred to go long. The 1/29 recent bullet suggests he’s ready to fire. Top Pick
7 Got Soul is an improving sort who has raised his turf speed figures in each consecutive start. He could fly under the radar here. Live Longshot
5 Bro Bro has won 2 of 3 turf tries and gets Rispoli up. Don’t Ignore