The Grade 2 Chicago Stakes, with a purse of $300,000, takes center stage at Churchill Downs this Friday, June 21, 2025, promising a thrilling seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares four years old and upward.
While no clear-cut, overwhelming favorite has emerged, Emery and My Mane Squeeze appear solid contenders. They have consistently performed well in graded stakes company, and Vahva looks for a return to the form that made her one of the best in this division.
The race, the ninth on the program with a post time of 10:11 PM ET, features a competitive field vying for the prestigious Grade 2 title.
Spot On The Field
1) Emery (5-2) – This four-year-old filly comes into the Chicago Stakes with strong recent form, including a win in the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes in October 2024 and a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Madison Stakes in April 2025. She has been consistently in the money in graded stakes races and has a win at this distance. Her versatility and solid Beyer figures make her a top threat.
2) Mink’s Palace (12-1) – Has been competitive in stakes company, securing a win in the Roxelana Stakes in April 2025 and a third-place finish in the Winning Colors Stakes in May 2025, both at Churchill Downs. While she has shown ability at this track and distance, she will need to find another gear to contend with the top performers in this Grade 2 event.
Gray Lightning (30-1) – This four-year-old filly has demonstrated early speed, often leading her races. She has several wins in allowance and smaller stakes races, but her performances in higher-graded events have been less impactful. She may face a challenge maintaining her lead against a deeper field in a Grade 2.
3) Brightwork (10-1) – Boasts a Grade 3 win in the Prioress Stakes in August 2024 and a Grade 2 placing in the TCA Stakes in October 2024. She has shown consistency, often finishing in the top three. While her last outing in May 2025 at Churchill Downs resulted in a fourth-place finish, she has proven she can compete at this level.
4) Vahva (3-1) – A five-year-old mare, Vahva has an impressive record, including a Grade 1 win in the Dicty Dust Stakes in May 2024 and a Grade 3 win in the Chicago Stakes in June 2024, both at Churchill Downs. She is a proven performer at this track and distance and should be a formidable contender.
5) Marmalade Skye (20-1) – Has recently found success in allowance optional claiming races at Churchill Downs, with a win in May 2025 and a second-place finish in April 2025. While she is in good form and has won at this track and distance, the step up to Grade 2 competition presents a significant challenge.
6) Harbor Springs (20-1) – This four-year-old filly recently won an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds in February 2025. She has consistently finished in the money in allowance company, but her performances in graded stakes have been mixed. She will need to make the best effort in her career to be victorious in this field.
7) Pigalle (12-1) – Pigalle enters this race with a recent win in an allowance optional claiming race at Churchill Downs in May 2025. She also won a Grade 2 in the Groupie Doll Stakes in August 2024. Her consistently strong finishes make her a viable contender, especially with her previous graded stakes success.
8) My Mane Squeeze (5-1) – My Mane Squeeze has consistently performed well in graded stakes races, including a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Madison Stakes in April 2025 and a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes in October 2024. She is a serious threat in this race with strong Beyer figures and a consistent record.
9) Claret Beret (6-1) – Claret Beret has been on a winning streak, securing two recent allowance optional claiming victories at Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn Park in March and May 2025. She has shown impressive speed and an ability to finish strong. While she is stepping up in class, her current form suggests she could be a factor.
10) Zeitlos (8-1) – Zeitlos has a Grade 2 win in the TCA Stakes in October 2024 and a Grade 2 win in the Open Mind Stakes in September 2024. She also won the Skipat Stakes in May 2025. With a strong history in graded stakes and recent success, Zeitlos is a strong contender.
Spot On Picks
Win: (5) Vahva (3-1) – A proven winner at this track and distance in graded stakes company, Vahva has demonstrated the ability to finish strong and should be primed for another top performance.
Place: (1) Emery (5-2) – Consistently competitive in Grade 1 and Grade 2 races, Emery has the form and the figures to be a serious threat for the win.
Show: (9) My Mane Squeeze (5-1) – With multiple graded stakes placings and strong recent efforts, My Mane Squeeze is a consistent performer who should be in the mix at the wire.
Wildcard: (11) Zeitlos (8-1) – This mare has a solid graded stakes record and recent wins. If she can get a favorable trip, she has the class to pull off the upset.
Longshot: (8) Pigalle (12-1) – With a recent allowance win and a Grade 2 victory from last year, Pigalle has shown flashes of brilliance and could surprise at appealing odds.
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