The echoes of the Kentucky Derby still resonate through Churchill Downs, but the focus swiftly turns to the future as racing fans eagerly await Saturday’s running of the 2025 Grade 3 Mamzelle Stakes.
This five-and-a-half-furlong turf sprint for three-year-old fillies has drawn a competitive field, each with their own aspirations of etching their name into the prestigious track’s history. With promising contenders boasting sharp early speed and others showcasing powerful late kicks, the stage is set for an electrifying dash to the wire.
The race presents a fascinating mix of speedsters, stalkers, and closers, making for a highly competitive race. Here’s a breakdown of each contender:
Contenders Analysis
1. Laurice (20-1), Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie, Trainer: George Weaver
Sharp early speed and a determined front-runner. Proven at the distance with a win at 5 1/2 furlongs. Consistently earns competitive speed figures on turf. She struggles to sustain speed in deep fields, lacks strong finishing kick, and has not yet proven herself at the graded stakes level. She is likely to set or press the early pace but could fade late under pressure from stronger closers.
2. Mighty Eriu (IRE) (15-1), Jockey: Ben Curtis, Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Shown good tactical speed and stamina, and is capable of pressing the pace and finishing strong. Proven over similar distances in Europe. She lacks high-end speed figures and has yet to show she can handle the class jump against American stakes company. Could sit a favorable trip just off the leaders and make a bid late if the pace collapses, but needs to improve significantly to contend.
3. Abientot (5-1), Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori, Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Consistent turf performer with a versatile running style. Proven at the distance with a Grade 3 win on her resume. Strong late kick, but is inconsistent when facing deeper fields and occasionally struggles with traffic. A solid contender if she gets a clean trip. Will be dangerous if she can find clear running room in the stretch, and her world-class jockey is more than capable to find it.
4. Kilwin (8-1), Jockey: Edgar Morales, Trainer: George R. Arnold II
Strong closer with a relentless stretch drive. Has the ability to rally from off the pace in fast races. Has handled quality competition well, but sometimes leaves herself with too much to do and can be compromised by slow fractions. Figures to be a late-running threat if the early fractions are swift. Could surprise if the pace sets up favorably.
5. Mechaya (15-1), Jockey: Luan Machado, Trainer: James P. DiVito
Lightly raced with potential for improvement. Already a winner on turf and has a versatile running style. Lacks experience against this class level and needs to prove she can handle the step up. Could be a surprise package if she steps up her game but remains a wildcard.
6. Dreamaway (6-1), , Jockey: Joe Bravo , Trainer: Wesley A. Ward
Tactical speed and has shown ability to control the pace or press the leaders. Consistent on turf and proven at the distance. Is vulnerable to late closers and may find it tough to hold off strong finishers in a heated stretch duel. Should be in the mix from the start and could take them all the way if the pace is moderate.
7. Bunratty Manor (IRE) (20-1), Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux , Trainer: George R. Arnold II
Consistent front-runner who has shown speed in all her last three starts. Has the ability to dictate terms early and has been competitive in those last three races. Has yet to face graded stakes company and might be tested by the class jump here. She is an intriguing front-running option if she can handle the class rise but will face competition early, and may need to find a bit more late to hold off the stronger closers in this field.
8. It Ain’t Two (GB) (10-1), Jockey: Florent Geroux, Trainer: Riley Mott
Versatile runner with experience in high-level European races. Capable of strong closing rallies, but struggles to maintain peak form against elite competition and can be inconsistent. Needs to put everything together to contend but has the talent to surprise.
9. Shisospicy (5-2), Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz, Trainer: Jose F. D’Angelo
Blazing early speed, proven at the distance, and has demonstrated the ability to carry her speed to the wire. Consistent performer at the graded stakes level. Relies heavily on a clean break and clear path to the lead. Is vulnerable to late challenges if pressed early. She’s the clear favorite with the speed to control the race if she can avoid early pressure. Tough to beat if she secures a favorable trip.
10. Bonne Fille (20-1), Jockey: Sophie Doyle, Trainer: Victoria H. Oliver
Early speed and aggressive front-runner. Has shown flashes of talent in past races. She struggles against tougher competition and has a tendency to fade late. Will need to improve significantly to contend but could play a role in setting the pace.
11. Serving Time (GB) (10-1), Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez, Jr , Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Strong closer with solid late speed figures. Has handled the step up in class well and seems to be improving with each race. Lacks early speed and can be compromised by slow early fractions. Watch out. Could be flying late if the pace is fast enough upfront.
12. Civetta (8-1), Jockey: Gerardo Corrales, Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Consistent performer with a proven turn of foot. Has hit the board in multiple stakes races. Lacks the high-end speed of the top contenders and can be caught in traffic. But she is a logical contender if she gets a clean trip and finds room to unleash her late kick.
13. Lovely Emma (8-1), Jockey: Cristian A. Torres, Trainer: Peter Eurton
Strong front-runner with excellent early speed. Has the ability to control the pace and make others chase. Can be vulnerable to closers if pressed early. Could be a factor if she breaks sharply and secures the lead.
14. Me Governor (12-1), Jockey: Rafael Bejarano, Trainer: Carlos A. David
Tactical speed and proven ability to press the pace. Has handled quality competition well. Needs to find a bit more late to contend against the best in this field. Could be a surprise if she finds a favorable stalking trip.
Also Elegibles:
15. Stay Classy (20/1), Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie, Trainer: Dale L. Romans
Improving with each race and has early speed to find a favorable position. Versatile runner with solid works leading up to this race. Has yet to prove herself at the stakes level and lacks experience against top-tier competition. Could be a factor if she draws in and secures a clean trip.
16. Anakarina (20/1), Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux , Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Lightly raced with significant upside. Has shown early speed and the ability to sustain a prolonged run. Inexperienced at this level and may find the class test too challenging. Would need a major step forward to contend but has the potential to surprise if conditions suit.
17. Hey Bertie (8/1), Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez, Jr, Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Consistent performer who has hit the board in multiple starts. Capable of closing ground late if the pace is hot. Lacks the raw speed of the top contenders and can be compromised by slow fractions. An intriguing longshot if the race falls apart late.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: #9, Shisospicy (5/2) – Looks like the clear standout with excellent early speed and the ability to carry it through the stretch. Has a perfect tactical profile for this race.
Place: #6, Dreamaway (6/1) – Should be well-positioned throughout and has a proven record at the distance. Could be the one to catch turning for home.
Show: #3, Abientot (5/1) – A strong closer who will be flying late if she gets a clean trip. Has the class to compete here.
Wildcard: #4, Kilwin (8/1) – Dangerous if the pace is too hot up front. Has the closing kick to upset this field.
Longshot Threat: #11, Serving Time (10/1) – Could surprise with a strong late rally on the outside, or with Mr. Rail 2.0, Brian Hernandez, Jr, could sneak up on the inside.
Race Info
- Race: #10, Grade 3 – Mamzelle Stakes
- Date: Saturday May 10, 2025
- Scheduled Post Time: 5:27 PM ET
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Distance: 5-1/2 Furlongs, Track Record: 1:01.1
- Conditions: For Three-Year-Old Fillies.
- Purse: $225,000
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