Horse Racing Odds: 2025 Madison Stakes

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Horse Racing Odds and Analysis

Scylla, Emery, and Mystic Lake Headline Competitive Madison Stakes at Keeneland

As Kentucky Derby Prep Races heat up across the country, attention turns to Keeneland on Tuesday, April 8, where a deep and talented group of fillies and mares will contest the Grade 1, $650,000 Madison Stakes. 

Though not a direct prep for the Derby, this race features elite sprinters with championship form and provides an early look at future stakes stars. For those focused on Kentucky Derby betting, it’s another chance to analyze speed and stamina—two critical factors as the Run for the Roses nears. The Madison will also influence Kentucky Derby odds, especially with multiple contenders returning from layoff or seeking top-level validation.

Scylla Returns to Sprinting After Grade 1 Efforts

The 7-furlong dirt contest will feature Juddmonte homebred Scylla, making her first start of the season. The Bill Mott trainee was a graded stakes winner last year and finished second in the Ballerina Handicap (G1) before closing 2024 with a fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). 

Though Scylla has done her best work around two turns, her connections are confident she can fire fresh, especially with a prior win over the Keeneland surface. Flavien Prat picks up the mount.

Emery and Mystic Lake Renew Rivalry

One of the top betting interests is Emery, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luan Machado. The daughter of More Than Ready has already shown an affinity for Keeneland, going 2-for-2, including a two-length win in the Grade 2 Raven Run. Emery most recently ran a strong second in the Inside Information Stakes (G2), missing by a neck to Mystic Lake.

Mystic Lake, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., won that race with a determined front-running trip. She’s unbeaten in two stakes at seven furlongs and holds a 4-for-5 record. Though she has never raced on a wet track, her consistency makes her a live contender again.

Joseph Jr. also sends out Dazzling Move, who won the Royal Delta Stakes (G3) going 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream. While she has yet to win at this shorter trip, she’s proven herself on wet surfaces and adds depth to Joseph’s powerful duo.

Layoffs and Comebacks Add Intrigue

Mike Maker’s My Mane Squeeze makes her return after finishing second to Emery in the Raven Run. The New York-bred millionaire is one of the most experienced runners in the field and owns a pair of graded wins at Churchill Downs—something bettors may find meaningful as Kentucky Derby odds shift into May.

Cherie DeVaux’s Justique, now unbeaten in two starts since joining her barn, adds more intrigue. The 5-year-old by Justify had a long stint in California but has rejuvenated over shorter distances and could offer value with Jose Ortiz riding again.

Also entered are Harbor Springs and Positano Sunset, both recent winners looking to earn their first graded stakes title. Julien Leparoux will guide Positano Sunset, while Harbor Springs is set to be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr.

Post time for Race 8 is scheduled for 4:48 p.m. local time. With top riders, multiple graded winners, and sharp conditioners all in play, the Madison Stakes offers a high-class wagering opportunity.

For insights and the best horse racing odds, analysis, and live betting on this race and other spring stakes, visit our racebook today.