The G3 Pimlico Special is set to headline a stellar day of racing at Pimlico Race Course, featuring a field of seasoned competitors vying for a share of the $250,000 purse over a distance of 1 3/16 miles on the dirt.
The historic contest, open to three-year-olds and upward, promises to be a fierce battle, with several runners boasting impressive form and intriguing backstories.
The likely favorite in this year’s edition is Phileas Fogg (5-1), a five-year-old gelding owned by Jupiter Stable LLC, trained by Gustavo Rodriguez, and piloted by Kendrick Carmouche.
Phileas Fogg has been a model of consistency, boasting an 8-for-16 career record, including two stakes victories this year. He enters this race off a powerful win in the Excelsior Stakes at Aqueduct, where he led every step of the way.
With a solid record on dirt and a recent streak of top-tier performances, he looms as a formidable contender, though this marks his first trip to Pimlico.
However, the intriguing up-and-comer in this race is Star of Wonder (7-2), a four-year-old who has been steadily climbing the ranks, capturing attention with impressive allowance wins.
Though untested at the stakes level, his sharp recent form and tactical versatility make him a potential upset candidate if he can handle the class jump in this competitive field.
The Field
- Phileas Fogg (5-1) – A consistent front-runner with an 8-for-16 career record, including stakes wins this year. He is in sharp form, but this will be his toughest test to date.
- Cataleya Strike (20-1) – Has blossomed recently, winning two of his last four starts, including a sharp score at Laurel. However, he steps up in class significantly here and will need to prove he can handle the distance and tougher company.
- Encino (6-1) – Lightly raced with a strong win record, he enters off a game second in the G3 Kentucky Cup Classic. Has tactical speed but must prove he can handle this longer distance.
- Awesome Aaron (12-1) – Recently found top form, scoring a decisive win in an allowance race at Oaklawn. He has the tactical speed to sit close early, but his past inconsistency raises concerns.
- Time for Trouble (20-1) – An experienced veteran with 11 wins from 37 starts. While his best days may be behind him, he’s proven at longer distances and could surprise if the pace collapses.
- Just Steel (15-1) – Has struggled against top company, including a fading fifth in last year’s G1 Preakness. He’ll need a career-best effort to contend here.
- Pyrenees (8-5) – was scratched.
- Star of Wonder (7-2) – A rapidly improving sort who has yet to tackle stakes competition but enters off a string of sharp allowance efforts. He’ll need to prove he belongs at this level, but his recent form suggests he might be up for the challenge.
- Red Route One (8-1) – A deep closer who will need a strong pace upfront to set up his late kick. He’s been competitive at the graded stakes level and cannot be overlooked if the race sets up for his style.
- San Siro (15-1) – Has been solid at the allowance level but steps up in class here. He’ll need to take a significant step forward to contend with this group.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, Longshot
Win: (8) Star of Wonder (7-2) – A rapidly improving allowance horse who has been sharp in recent starts. Though untested at this level, his tactical speed and consistent form make him a live contender if he can step up to the challenge.
Place: (1) Phileas Fogg (5-1) – Comes in sharp, but might face more pressure upfront than he’s used to, which could soften him late.
Show: (4) Awesome Aaron (12-1) – Could hang around for a minor share if he repeats his last effort.
Wildcard: (9) Red Route One (8-1) – A deep closer who can threaten if the pace collapses upfront, which is a distinct possibility here.
Longshot: ((2) Cataleya Strike (20-1) – If he can transfer his Laurel form to Pimlico, he’s a live longshot.
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