Two of the most accomplished New York-bred fillies in recent memory, Sterling Silver and My Mane Squueze, headline the field for the Grade 2, $200,000 Ruffian Stakes this Saturday at Belmont at the Big A.
These veteran millionaires will face a talented group of up-and-coming challengers over a one-mile distance, each looking to stamp their class in this important graded stakes test. With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and longshots ready to surprise, the Ruffian promises a thrilling contest from gate to wire.
Previewing the Field
1. Takethemoneyhoney (10-1), Jockey: Eliseo Ruiz, Trainer: Michael M. Moore
A rising talent with a sharp early turn of foot, Takethemoneyhoney enters the Ruffian Stakes off a decisive front-running win at Laurel, where she controlled the pace and drew clear in the stretch. While her record is an impressive 3-for-4, all her wins have come against lesser company, and this will be her first major class test.
She has shown grit in the stretch but will need to prove she can handle the pressure of a faster, more experienced field. If she can harness her speed without getting burned out early, she could be a dangerous pace factor.
2. Morning Matcha (20-1), Jockey: Paco Lopez, Trainer: Robert E. Reid, Jr
This veteran campaigner (30 lifetime starts) has seen it all, boasting over $1 million in career earnings. Known for her relentless late kick, Morning Matcha is best when the pace up front is blazing, giving her a chance to roll past tired rivals late.
However, she has struggled to break through at the graded stakes level, remaining winless in such company. Her recent form has been spotty, but she has the back class to make an impact if the race falls apart up front.
3. Catherine Wheel (8-1), Jockey: Flavien Prat, Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Lightly raced but improving with every start, Catherine Wheel arrives in the Ruffian with strong recent form, including a determined win at Aqueduct. She has yet to face the true test of graded company, but her tactical speed and ability to stay close to the pace could give her an edge if the frontrunners tire. She’ll need to prove she belongs at this level, but the signs are there for a big performance.
4. Sterling Silver (9-2), Jockey: Javier J. Castellano, Trainer: William I. Mott
While not the class of the field, Sterling Silver has amassed over $1 million in earnings and boasts multiple stakes placings, including a graded stakes victory two years ago. Her best races come when she can sit just off the leaders and pounce in the stretch, using her strong closing kick. However, she has been inconsistent at times, struggling to string together top efforts. If she runs to her best, she’s a legitimate contender but needs a clean trip to do so.
5. Here’s the Kicker (20-1), Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr, Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr
A lightly raced filly with sharp early speed, Here’s the Kicker steps into graded stakes company for the first time. She earned a confidence-building win last out, controlling the pace and finishing strong, but this field represents a significant class jump. She’ll likely need a career-best effort to factor, and the question remains whether she can withstand the heat from classier fillies in the late stages.
6. Dazzling Move (ON) (8-1), Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr, Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr
Fresh off a victory in the Grade 3 Royal Delta, Dazzling Move has the tactical speed to sit just behind the leaders and pounce if the pace collapses. She has shown the ability to dig in during the stretch, and her recent workouts suggest she’s holding form well. If the race sets up for a stalker, she’s a serious player.
7. Claret Beret (20-1), Jockey: Junior Alvarado, Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr
An improving 4-year-old with a versatile running style, Claret Beret has won two of her last three starts and seems to be rounding into top form. However, she has yet to face graded stakes company, and this will be a major test of her class. She’s an interesting longshot if the race falls apart late, but will need a step up in form to contend.
8. Jody’s Pride (5-1), , Jockey: Joel Rosario, Trainer: Jorge R. Abreu
With a consistent record and strong tactical speed, Jody’s Pride has emerged as a serious contender at the allowance and listed stakes level. She has proven capable at the mile distance and should get a favorable stalking trip here. The question is whether she can handle the step up to graded company, but her past performances suggest she has the class to compete.
9. Gun Song (6-1), Jockey: John R. Velazquez, Trainer: Mark A. Hennig
The winner of the prestigious Black-Eyed Susan last year, Gun Song has proven herself against top company and consistently places in graded stakes. She is a well-traveled, battle-tested filly with a strong closing kick and should appreciate the one-mile distance. A win here would further cement her status as one of the classiest runners in the field.
10. My Mane Squeeze (3-1), Jockey: Manuel Franco, Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Arguably the class of the field, My Mane Squeeze is a multiple graded stakes winner who has been in the mix in nearly every big race she has contested. Her tactical speed and class edge make her a formidable presence in this race. If she runs to her best form, she will be tough to deny.
11. Headline Numbers (15-1), Jockey: Dylan Davis, Trainer: Chad C. Brown
A potential sleeper in this field, Headline Numbers has been steadily improving and comes into this race in sharp form. While she lacks the graded credentials of some of her rivals, her recent speed figures suggest she belongs at this level. If she takes another step forward, she could be a sneaky contender.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: #10, My Mane Squeeze (3/1) – The class of the field with multiple graded stakes wins and tactical speed.
Place: #9, Gun Song (6/1) – Proven in major races and has the closing kick to make an impact.
Show: #6, Dazzling Move (ON) (8/1) – Has the speed and recent class to make an impact.
Wildcard Threat: #3, Catherine Wheel (8/1) – Lightly raced with upside and a favorable pace setup.
Longshot to Watch: #2, Morning Matcha (20/1) – Needs a fast pace to close into, but has the back class to upset if the race falls apart late.
Race Info
- Race: 11th, Grade 2 Ruffian Stakes
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Scheduled Post Time: 6:46 PM ET
- Location: Belmont at the Big A, Aqueduct Racetrack, Jamaica, NY
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Conditions: For Fillies And Mares Four Year Olds And Upward
- Purse: $200, 000
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