Mindframe Clinches Thrilling Churchill Downs Stakes Victory

In a dramatic and nail-biting, pulse-pumping finish, Mindframe, piloted by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Todd Pletcher, captured his first Grade 1 victory in the $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The 4-year-old Maryland-bred son of Constitution showcased remarkable versatility and a powerful late surge to overcome a challenging race over a sloppy track.

The seven-furlong contest unfolded with early speed from Giant Mischief, who took the initial lead, closely followed by Hoist the Gold and Here Mi Song. As the race progressed, Hoist the Gold pressed the pace, with Here Mi Song and Mullikin also in contention.

Entering the stretch, Mullikin made a strong move to take the lead, but a thrilling battle for the ages ensued as Nysos and a determined Mindframe, running six-wide, launched their bids in what turned out to be a five-horse mad dash to the finish line.

Despite a wide rally, Mindframe, who was reportedly so wide he was momentarily off some television screens, unleashed an explosive run in the final furlong.

The finish was incredibly tight, with five horses, including Book’em Danno who, momentarily took the lead in mid-stretch, Banishing and Nysos, charging towards the wire alongside Mindframe way on the outside.

In a blanket finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Mindframe ultimately prevailed by a neck. Banishing and Nysos finished in a dead heat for second, with Book’em Danno just a head behind in fourth.

Mullikin, who entered the stretch in front and initially was part of that five-horse battle in the stretch, faded slightly to finish fifth, one length behind fourth place. Just Steel rallied on the rail to finish sixth, and Tejano Twist, who entered the stretch seven-wide just to the outside of Mindframe, was outkicked and finished seventh.

Hosit the Gold, Giant Mischief, Extra Anejo, and Here Mi Song, completed the order of finish.

The final time for the race was 1:22.64.

The victory was a significant milestone for Mindframe, who is owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable. Trainer Todd Pletcher praised the colt’s versatility, noting his ability to perform at a high level from just missing in last year’s Belmont Stakes to now winning a Grade 1 at seven furlongs.

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. highlighted Mindframe’s gameness, stating, “My horse was so game today. He had so many horses to the inside of him that he just had to keep fighting the entire way to the wire. He does not want to lose and kept finding more the more challenges he got.”

This win marks Mindframe’s fourth victory in six starts and pushes his career earnings to over $1.2 million.

The Churchill Downs Stakes was described by Pletcher as “arguably the toughest race on the weekend,” underscoring the quality of the field Mindframe defeated.

Winning Connections

Winner: Mindframe
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner:  Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables LLC
Breeder:  R. Larry Johnson
Bloodline:  Dark Bay or Brown Colt, by Constitution out of Walk of Stars, by Street Sense. Foaled May 13, 2021 in Maryland
Constitution stands at Winstar Farm LLC, in Versailles, KY ($110,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2.00 Exacta (7-2) Paid: $23.02
• $2.00 Exacta (7-10) Paid: $15.20
• $.50 Trifecta (7-10-2) Paid: $16.48
• $.50 Trifecta (7-2-10) Paid: $20.26
• $1.00 Superfecta (7-2-10-3) Paid: $214.81
• $1.00 Superfecta (7-10-2-3) Paid: $125.42

Watch the Race