Think Big Explodes Late to Capture Twin Spires Turf Sprint in Stakes Record Time

Godolphin’s homebred Think Big solidified his status as a rising star in the turf sprint division, unleashing a powerful late surge to run down Boss Sully and win the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) by three-quarters of a length on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2025.

The 4-year-old gelding remained perfect in four turf sprint attempts, completing the 5 1/2 furlongs in a stakes-record time of 1:02.35 over a ‘good’ Churchill Downs course.

Under regular rider Ben Curtis, Think Big settled comfortably in fourth position as Coppola, pressed by Boss Sully and Run Carson, set the early pace. As the field rounded the far turn, Boss Sully swept to the lead and opened up a clear advantage turning for home, appearing poised for victory.

Think Big, however, was just hitting his best stride on the outside. Relentlessly closing ground through the stretch, the son of Twirling Candy inhaled Boss Sully in the final yards to secure the impressive victory.

“He doesn’t have a certain style,” Curtis said, noting the gelding’s versatility. “He’s a fast stayer at this distance. The further we went down the straight, I thought we’d get him… we got there when it mattered.”

Trainer Michael Stidham admitted some doubt mid-stretch, thinking, “‘Aw heck, we’re gonna be second.’ But then he dug in like a champ and got it done.”

The win was Think Big’s second consecutive Grade 2 score, following his victory in the Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland in April.

It marked his fifth win from nine career starts, boosting his earnings to over $700,000. Bred in Kentucky by Godolphin, Think Big is out of the stakes-winning Street Sense mare Always Thinking.

Godolphin USA’s director of bloodstock, Michael Banahan, highlighted the gelding’s potential, stating, “The great thing about him is his ceiling is a lot higher than the rest of them.”

Unconquerable Keen (IRE) rallied from seventh to finish third, while Arrest Me Red, who ran fifth throughout, just got up for fourth over a fast-closing Ambivalent, who finished fifth.

Early pacesetter, Coppola, and stalker Run Carson faded to sixth and seventh, while Rogue Lightning (IRE), Mischievous Rogue, and Eamonn completed the order of finish.

Fractional Times: 22.86, 44.86, 56.29
Final Time: 1:02.35

Winning Connections

Winner: Think Big
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Trainer: Michael Stidham
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin, LLC
Bloodline: Bay Gelding, by Twirling Candy out of Always Thinking, by Street Sense. Foaled Mar 03, 2021 in Kentucky
Twirling Candy stands at Lane’s End, Versailles, KY ($60,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2.00 Exacta (7-9) Paid: $56.24
• $.50 Trifecta (7-9-10) Paid: $141.07
• $1.00 Superfecta (7-9-10-5) Paid: $3,117.85

Watch the Race