Zeitlos Powers to Victory in a Thrilling Skipat Stakes at Pimlico

Stonestreet Stables and Peter Leidel’s accomplished mare Zeitlos made a triumphant return to the races, capturing the $125,000 Skipat Stakes at Pimlico Race Course with a powerful stretch rally.

The 5-year-old daughter of Curlin, trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen and expertly ridden by Jose Ortiz, showcased her class and determination in the six-furlong sprint.

The race began with Disco Ebo and Striker Has Dial quick to establish the early pace, setting opening fractions of 23.48 seconds for the quarter-mile and a half-mile in 46.49 seconds. Zeitlos, making her first start since the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) the previous November, settled comfortably off the leaders in fourth position.

As the field rounded the far turn, Ortiz began to ask Zeitlos for her run. Responding willingly, the millionaire mare moved up alongside the frontrunners approaching the eighth pole.

In a determined drive to the wire, Zeitlos wrested the lead from Striker Has Dial in mid-stretch and powered clear to win by an authoritative 1 ½ lengths. The final time for the six furlongs over a fast main track was a sharp 1:11.20.

Striker Has Dial held on gamely for second place, while the even-money favorite One Magic Philly made a late bid to finish third. Disco Ebo, Happy Clouds, and defending champion Apple Picker completed the order of finish.

This victory marked the ninth career win from 18 starts for Zeitlos and her fifth stakes triumph, which includes the Grade 2 TCA Stakes at Keeneland.

For trainer Steve Asmussen, it was his second stakes win on the Preakness Day card, having earlier saddled Booth to victory in the Maryland Sprint (G3). Asmussen also previously won the Skipat with Vertical Oak (2018) and Joy’s Rocket (2022).

“I thought this was the perfect spot to start her season,” Asmussen commented post-race. “And she’s as fast as ever, if not faster. Curlin filly, better with age. She’s all class. Huge win. We obviously want to get back to the Breeders’ Cup with her.”

Jockey Jose Ortiz praised his mount, saying, “A perfect trip. She broke great and put me a lot closer than I thought she would. That really helped me a lot.”

The Skipat Stakes, named for the Connecticut-bred mare who won 26 races including two editions of the Barbara Fritchie (G3), was one of ten stakes races on the spectacular 14-race program headlined by the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1).

Scratched Horse(s): Admiral Hopper (Trainer)

Fractional Times: 23.48, 46.49, 58.50
Final Time: 1:11.20

Winning Connections
Winner: Zeitlos
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Steven Asmussen
Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC and Peter Leidel
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Bloodline: Zeitlos, Chestnut Mare, by Curlin out of Thyme For Roses (AUS), by Redoute’s Choice (AUS). Foaled April 16, 2020 in Kentucky.
Curlin stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, in Paris, KY. ($225,000 Stands & Nurses)

Payouts

• $1.00 Exacta (5-7) Paid: $13.30
• $1.00 Trifecta (5-7-3) Paid: $21.90
• $1.00 Superfecta (5-7-3-4) Paid: $94.30

Race Replay