Get ready for a clash on the turf! Tomorrow at the historic Aqueduct Racetrack, all eyes will be on the formidable Far Bridge as he thunders down the stretch in the Grade 2 Man o’ War Stakes.
This three-time Grade 1 champion isn’t just running a race; he’s chasing legacy, aiming for a spectacular fifth graded stakes victory.
But a king’s reign is never secure, and a field of determined challengers, including the crafty Capture the Flag and the closing kick of Anglophile, are hungry to write their own headlines. Will Far Bridge etch another win in the history books, or will an upset electrify the Big A?
Contender Analysis
Far Bridge (3/5) is the morning line favorite for good reason. He’s won three of his last four starts, including three Grade 1 races, with his only recent blemish being a ninth-place finish in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf last November, where he faded late to finish 5-3/4 lengths behind Rebel’s Romance (IRE).
The five-year-old returned to action this year with an impressive win in the G3 Pan American Stakes on March 29, defeating Padiddle (third) and Capture the Flag (eighth). Joel Rosario, who has guided him in his last four starts, retains the mount, signaling strong confidence in his form.
Anglophile (5/2) enters as the second choice on the morning line. Although he hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since the G3 Dueling Grounds Derby in September 2023, he consistently hits the board, posting Beyer Speed Figures in the 90s in his last six starts.
Interestingly, Rosario was aboard Anglophile in his last two outings but has opted to stick with Far Bridge, with Hall of Famer Javier Castellano now taking the reins.
Capture the Flag (7/2) is another significant player, with John Velazquez set to guide him once again. Velazquez has a strong history with this horse, recording two wins and two seconds in five rides together.
Capture the Flag scored a gate-to-wire win two back in the G2 Mac Diarmida Stakes at Gulfstream Park over this same 1-3/8 mile distance, outlasting Grand Sonata by a head while Anglophile finished fifth.
Padiddle (12/1) broke his maiden two starts ago on his eighth attempt and followed that up with a solid third-place finish behind Far Bridge in the Pan American.
Despite showing promise early in that race, he faded late, finishing four lengths behind the winner. Flavien Prat, the nation’s leading jockey, takes the mount, which could provide a tactical edge.
Decanted (15/1) is a true wildcard in this field. He has never gone past 1-1/8 miles on the flat, making his recent 2-1/4 mile hurdles effort particularly intriguing. While he faded late in that race, it does suggest a potential for unexpected stamina, even if it’s unproven at this level.
Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the reins, replacing his brother Jose, who last rode Decanted on the flat. If Decanted can find a comfortable stride, he might surprise at a big price.
Race Outlook
Expect Capture the Flag and Decanted to set a brisk early pace, with Far Bridge and Padiddle sitting just behind the leaders, and Anglophile likely to settle toward the back.
Look for Far Bridge to launch his move around the far turn alongside Padiddle, with Anglophile trying to close into contention late.
In a good stretch battle, Far Bridge should prevail over Padiddle, with Anglophile closing in late to get second place honors in the final meters, and Padiddle finishing third.
Predicted Order of Finish:
- Far Bridge (3/5)
- Anglophile (5/2)
- Padiddle (12/1)
- Decanted (15/1)
- Capture the Flag (7/2)
Race Info
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Location: Aqueduct Racetrack (Belmont at the Big A), Elmont, New York
- Distance: 1-3/8 miles on the inner turf
- Purse: $400,000
- Scheduled Post Time: 1:47 PM Eastern
The Man o’ War Stakes, named after the legendary thoroughbred who won 20 of 21 career starts, is one of five stakes races on the card.
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