Kentucky Derby Odds: 2025 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes

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Kentucky Derby Odds

Maker’s Mark Mile Draws Deep Field of Turf Talent at Keeneland

As the spring meet heats up at Keeneland, the 37th $650,000 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes (G1T) runs center stage on April 11. While the spotlight typically shines on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races this time of year, bettors looking beyond the dirt scene will find great value in turf contests like this one. 

Though the Maker’s Mark Mile doesn’t directly impact Kentucky Derby odds, sharp handicappers understand that solid performances in these types of races can influence Kentucky Derby betting strategies as connections eye multi-surface campaigns.

A field of nine turf specialists lines up for this historic Grade 1 mile, which serves as an early-season test for older horses on grass with possible implications for the Breeders’ Cup Mile later in the year. The race has a scheduled post time of 5:16 p.m. ET.

Integration and Carl Spackler Headline

Integration, the runner-up in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1T) in January, makes his second start of 2025. Trained by Shug McGaughey, this consistent 5-year-old will try to improve on last year’s third-place effort in the same race. He draws the rail and retains top international rider Frankie Dettori, and while his most substantial efforts have come at longer distances, he should benefit from a ground-saving trip.

Carl Spackler looks like a significant threat. The Chad Brown trainee is a six-time winner from eight starts at the mile distance, including a decisive win at Keeneland last fall in the Turf Mile Stakes (G1T). Although regular jockey Tyler Gaffalione is sidelined, Flavien Prat steps in—a high-caliber replacement.

Contenders and Live Longshots

Funtastic Again will try to shake things up on the front end. Though his best races have come on Turfway Park’s all-weather surface, he adds Irad Ortiz Jr. for this high-profile try off a long layoff.

Graham Motion’s Trikari was once considered a top 3-year-old turf prospect before faltering late in the season. He finished sixth over this course in October but encountered traffic and has the back-class to surprise.

Silent Heart, trained by Brian Lynch, is in top form and could be a value play in exotics. He’s hit the board in five straight starts and was just a neck shy of winning a Grade 3 last time out. Luis Saez will ride.

Seminole Chief, a fast-improving 4-year-old, enters off his first stakes win in the Appleton at Gulfstream and is 2-for-3 this year. He’s worth watching as he makes the jump into Grade 1 company.

Northern Invader could be the speed of the speed. After nearly going wire-to-wire in a Grade 3 at Tampa, he should be forwardly placed under Jose Ortiz.

Looking for Turf Value at Keeneland

Grand Aspen and Santorini round out the field. Grand Aspen brings solid recent form from Santa Anita but is untested in graded stakes on turf. Santorini has early foot but has struggled to finish at this level.

With strong class, recent form, and multiple pace scenarios in play, the 2025 Maker’s Mark Mile offers value from top to bottom. For the latest Kentucky Derby odds, past performances, and expert picks on this race and others, make sure to visit our racebook.