Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Mineshaft Stakes

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races News

Hall of Fame, Tuscan Sky Aim to Upset Catching Freedom at Fair Grounds

Catching Freedom, winner of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby last year, returns to Fair Grounds on Saturday as the 3-1 morning-line favorite for the Mineshaft Stakes (G3). The 1 1/16-mile dirt route features a competitive field of eight older males looking to establish themselves in the division.

Catching Freedom Returns as Favorite

Catching Freedom had a strong 3-year-old campaign, winning the Louisiana Derby and finishing fourth in Kentucky Derby 150. He followed that up with a third-place finish in the Preakness and a fourth in the Ohio Derby (G3). 

Trainer Brad Cox, who has already claimed victories in Fair Grounds’ significant dirt route stakes this meet, sends him out for his 4-year-old debut. Flavien Prat retains the mount as they break from post 5.

Rising Contenders in the Mineshaft Stakes

Hall of Fame, a Gun Runner colt trained by Steve Asmussen, enters off back-to-back wins, including a dominant score in a second-level allowance at Fair Grounds. After failing to impact the 2024 Kentucky Derby Prep Races, finishing seventh in the Risen Star (G2) and 10th in the Louisiana Derby (G2), he has shown improvement and could be a serious contender. He is 4-1 on the morning line and will be ridden by Jose Ortiz.

Tuscan Sky, trained by Todd Pletcher, was a dominant winner of the 2024 Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth but struggled last out in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3), finishing seventh. The son of Vino Rosso has three wins from seven starts and looks to bounce back in his first Fair Grounds appearance.

Batten Down, trained by Bill Mott, proved his ability at longer distances last year, finishing third behind Fierceness and Sierra Leone in the Jim Dandy (G2). The Tapit colt, a half-brother to Scylla and Tacitus, has never won at less than nine furlongs, but his class makes him a factor here.

Longshots with Upside

Maycocks Bay was an early Kentucky Derby hopeful last year before being scratched from the Southwest Stakes (G3) as the morning-line favorite. A lengthy layoff followed, but he returned with an impressive local allowance win. He overcame a wide post in his most recent start to finish fourth in the Louisiana Stakes (G3). He enters the Mineshaft at 10-1 with Ben Curtis aboard.

Komorebino Omoide, trained by Robertino Diodoro, is an intriguing entry, finishing second in the Louisiana Stakes (G3) last out. 

Heroic Move, another Diodoro trainee, finished fifth in the Louisiana Stakes (G3) and will need improvement to contend here. Warrior Johny rounds out the field after a third-place finish in the Tenacious Stakes.

The Mineshaft Stakes will play a key role in the early-season race for the older dirt male division, offering insight into which contenders could emerge as major players in the coming months. For those looking to place wagers, visit our racebook for the latest Kentucky Derby odds and Kentucky Derby betting options.