Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Razorback Handicap 2025

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races

Razorback Handicap 2025: Top Contenders, Odds, and Betting Preview

A stacked field of 14 older horses is set to compete in the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 23. Originally scheduled for Feb. 22, the race was postponed due to winter weather, but the anticipation remains high as some of the top older dirt horses return to action.

As the Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to shape the three-year-old picture, the Razorback offers a competitive betting opportunity for older horses on the road to elite races later in the season. With several top contenders returning from layoffs and others looking to make their mark, the Razorback is shaping to be a must-watch event. 

The Kentucky Derby odds won’t be directly impacted, but this race could highlight horses bettors will want to watch for significant stakes later in the season. Regarding Kentucky Derby betting, staying ahead of the game includes tracking these proven older horses, many of whom could later face top three-year-olds in open company.

First Mission Returns to Action

Godolphin homebred First Mission, trained by Brad Cox, headlines the field as the highweight at 122 pounds. The five-year-old Street Sense colt was dominant last season, winning the Essex Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn by five lengths before taking the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs by four lengths. 

His campaign ended with a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, but he looks poised for a strong return. Florent Geroux will guide First Mission from post 3.

Banishing and Crupi Among Top Challengers

Another key contender is Banishing, a former Godolphin homebred sold last summer and has since improved significantly under new trainer David Jacobson. The Ghostzapper gelding has won four of his previous five starts, including a 7 ½-length stakes win at Oaklawn in January. Flavien Prat has the mount, and Banishing will carry 119 pounds from post 2.

Trainer Todd Pletcher sends Crupi, who will break from the rail under Dylan Davis. The Curlin colt won the Suburban Stakes (G2) last year but struggled in his previous outing, finishing seventh in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1). Assigned 121 pounds, he’ll look to rebound for Repole and St. Elias Stables.

Red Route One and Skinner Look to Make an Impact

Red Route One, a multiple graded stakes winner, represents Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen. The Gun Runner colt was a disappointing fourth as the favorite in the Tinsel Stakes at Oaklawn last time out but has the class to compete if he returns to his best form. Cristian Torres will be aboard as Red Route One carries 120 pounds from post 12.

Another horse looking to take a step forward is Skinner, a Curlin colt owned by C R K Stables. He ran third in the Louisiana Stakes (G3) last month at Fair Grounds in his first start for trainer Cherie DeVaux after transferring from John Shirreffs. Jose Ortiz retains the ride as Skinner carries 119 pounds from post 5.

Rising Star Baddest Good Boy Makes Stakes Debut

The lightly raced Baddest Good Boy will make his stakes debut after winning back-to-back races at Oaklawn, including a dominant allowance victory on Jan. 25. Trained by Norm Casse, the Bernardini gelding has been impressive, but he faces a significant class test in the Razorback. Ricardo Santana Jr. will ride from post 8 as he carries 116 pounds.

Check out the latest odds and place your bets in our racebook for the best wagering experience.