Eddie Read Stakes Winner Johannes; Eye on Breeder’s Cup

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Johannes showcased his versatility and talent by winning the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar on July 28. This was his first victory at 1 1/8 miles and this track. 

This win is particularly significant with Del Mar set to host this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, positioning Johannes as a strong contender with encouraging projected horse racing odds. 

Race Breakdown and Key Players

Johannes, coming off mile turf wins in the American Stakes (G3T) and Shoemaker Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita, was the 11-10 favorite for the Eddie Read. His regular jockey, Umberto Rispoli, who has started strong at the Del Mar meeting, rode him to victory. Rispoli and Johannes have a successful history together, having secured several wins at Santa Anita.

At the start of the Eddie Read Stakes, Balladeer quickly surged to the front, clocking a quarter-mile in 24.35 seconds and a half-mile in 48.51 seconds. Johannes tracked Balladeer in second, positioning himself perfectly to take the lead at the top of the stretch. 

He then galloped home to win by 2 1/2 lengths with a final time of 1:47.88. Longshot Dicey Mo Chara closed well to finish second at 76-1, followed by Balnikhov in third.

Trainer Tim Yakteen praised the race’s pace scenario, noting that Johannes sat up close and showed versatility. Yakteen has trained Johannes since his second start and oversees all his races in California. Owned and bred by Joe and Debby McCloskey under the name Cuyathy, Johannes is a 4-year-old son of Nyquist and Cuyathy.

Offtrack Betting Insights

Johannes’ consistent performance and recent victory at Del Mar make him a compelling option for those interested in offtrack betting. 

Johannes broke his maiden by nine lengths in late 2022, his fourth-lifetime start and first on turf. He followed up with victories in the 2023 Baffle Stakes and Pasadena Stakes. After finishing fifth in the 2023 American Turf Stakes (G2T) at Churchill Downs, he took nearly a year off before winning the American and Shoemaker this year.

Johannes’ trajectory will be closely watched as the horse racing schedule progresses. His ability to transition from mile races to nine furlongs successfully adds a new dimension to his racing profile. 

Rispoli attributes Johannes’ improvement to Yakteen and the McCloskeys’ patience and strategy. After a long break following the American Turf Stakes, Johannes has matured physically and mentally. However, he retains some of his hypercharacter, which Rispoli sees as part of his charm.

Breeding and Lineage

Johannes comes from a distinguished lineage. He is a son of Nyquist, the 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner. Nyquist’s offspring, including Eclipse Award champion Vequist and Canadian champion Gretzky the Great, have shown significant promise. Nyquist stood the 2024 season at Darley in Lexington for a fee of $85,000, underscoring his value as a sire.

The McCloskeys purchased Cuyathy, the dam of Johannes, for $50,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September yearling sale, making her their first horse. She has produced other winners, including Sea Dancer and an unraced 2-year-old filly by Gun Runner.