Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Hurricane Bertie Stakes

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Hurricane Bertie Stakes 2025: Nic’s Style Aims for Fourth Straight Stakes Win

A strong field of fillies and mares is set to compete in the Grade 3, $165,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 8. The 6 1/2-furlong dirt sprint will feature seven contenders, including Nic’s Style, who looks to extend her winning streak, and multiple graded stakes winner Spirit Wind.

This race is not only a crucial test for sprinters on the East Coast, but it also comes at a pivotal time in the racing calendar as Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to shape the Derby picture. While this event is not directly tied to the Triple Crown trail, performances here could impact betting strategies for the upcoming graded stakes season. 

With Kentucky Derby odds fluctuating and Kentucky Derby betting heating up, races like the Hurricane Bertie provide valuable insight into how horses perform under top-class conditions.

Nic’s Style Seeks Fourth Straight Stakes Victory

Trained by Bill Mott, Nic’s Style enters the Hurricane Bertie with three consecutive stakes wins. The 5-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Uncaptured has been nearly flawless in her career, finishing in the top three in all seven of her starts. Her most recent victory came in the Minaret Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 8. 

Before that, she finished second in the Gallant Bloom Stakes (G2) to Ways and Means. Junior Alvarado retains the mount as she looks to add a graded win to her resume.

Spirit Wind Makes Her Seasonal Debut

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. sends out Spirit Wind, a proven stakes performer who won the Poinsettia Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Dec. 21. She finished third in last year’s Hurricane Bertie and has shown her ability to handle top competition. Owned by Miller Racing, the Florida-bred mare has performed well at Gulfstream Park and will look to start her 2025 campaign on a winning note.

Joseph also enters R Disaster, who finished second to Nic’s Style in the FTBOA City of Ocala Florida Sire Stakes on Dec. 14, and Save Time, who broke her maiden in her ninth attempt on Feb. 13 at Gulfstream. Joseph noted that while Spirit Wind and R Disaster are front-running types, Save Time could benefit from a fast pace if the race falls apart late.

Into Champagne Returns After Long Layoff

Six Column Stables’ Into Champagne returns to action after a nearly 10-month layoff. Last seen finishing seventh in the 2024 Kentucky Oaks (G1) behind Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, she now shortens up in distance under the guidance of trainer Ian Wilkes. John Velazquez will ride Into Champagne as she faces older horses for the first time.

Wilkes believes the filly has matured and is stronger now than last year, but acknowledges the difficulty of returning against a strong field. He noted that sprinting may be a better fit for her while she was stretched to her limits in the Oaks.

Other Contenders in the Field

Ruthless Rua, who finished third in the Minaret Stakes behind Nic’s Style, returns with hopes of improving her performance. Edwin Gonzalez will be aboard for trainer Sam Wilensky and Paterpop Racing this time, aiming to secure a stronger finish.

The Hurricane Bertie Stakes is shaping to be a competitive showdown between proven sprinters and rising stars. Be sure to check our racebook for the latest odds and betting picks.