2025 Thurby Results
Joel Rosario celebrates aboard Pinky Finger after winning the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on Thurby |
Date: 5/01/2025
With record-setting attendance and ever-increasing ticket prices for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, in recent years Churchill Downs moved more stakes races to the Thursday, the day before the Oaks, for a more affordable way to experience Derby week. Conditions were overcast with light rain falling early in the afternoon, temperatures in the low 70's, with the track remaining fast and the Matt Winn turf course firm.
Kicking off the Thurby stakes trio was the $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes featuring a field of 5 two-year-olds sprinting 5 furlongs on the main track. Jockey Joel Rosario sent 1-2 favorite and filly Pinky Finger to the lead through fraction of 21.61 and 45.08 while pressed by 11-2 third choice Monster and stalked by 4-1 second choice Double Talker. Pinky Finger opened a 3 1/2 length lead midstretch and held off late-running 10-1 Maximus Prime to win by 1/2 a length in 58.32. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Double Talker third.
Results chart from Equibase
Left: Pinky Finger returns after the race. Winning trainer Wesley Ward said, "She's fast; really fast. So far she has done everything we have asked of her. It's truly special to win a stakes race here on Derby Week."
Right: Pinky Finger in the post parade. Ward added, "This race comes up relatively quick from Keeneland races. Moving forward, I will space her races out, and make sure she makes it to the Breeders' Cup. She showed an affinity for the grass [training] at Keeneland, which opened up options for us not only at Ascot, but at the end of the year at the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. That's a track that favors speed. I think if she goes into that race as sound and happy as she is here, that's really what I'm looking for."
Left: Second place finisher Maximus Prime in the post parade. The Larry Demeritte trainee improved his record to 2 seconds in 2 starts, earning $66,700 for owners Gary and Tiffany Mizzack.
Right: Third place finisher Double Talker in the post parade. The Wesley Ward trainee improved his record to 1 win and 1 third in 2 starts, earning $79,205 for owner-breeder Ice Wine Stable
A field of 9 older horses contested the $350,000 Opening Verse Stakes over 1 mile on the turf. Jockey Edgard Zayas sent 20-1 Portofino to the lead first time by through fraction of 24.12 and 48.40 while pressed by 8-1 Georgie W and stalked by 19-1 Piper's Factor. On the far turn Portonfino tired allowing Georgie W to briefly inherit the lead through 3/4 in 1:11.87 before also tiring. 4-1 second choice Lagynos, 4th early, moved up to lead through 7f in 1:23.30 but 9-5 favorite Brilliant Berti, 7th early under Brian Hernandez Jr., came out 4 wide and rallied to win by 1/2 a length in 1:34.93. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to 9-4 second choice Major Dude third.
Results chart from Equibase
Left: Brilliant Berti returns after the race. Winning trainer Cherie DeVaux said, "We threw that last race at Fair Grounds (the Muniz Classic) out. It was his first race off a long layoff. He's always done well here (now 4-for-4 here) and I didn't have to tell the rider (Brian Hernandez Jr.) anything. He's handled him a bunch of times."
Right: Brilliant Berti heads to the winner's circle. Winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said, "After I rode him last time, I called Richard [Klein] and said 'I'm sorry, that one was on me.' Instead of leaving the gate and kind of asking him to leave there running, I just let him leave there on his own terms, and then the first two jumps we got covered up and we were way, way too far back."
The $200,000 St. Matthews Stakes featured a field of 10 older horses who have not won a graded stakes in 2024 or 2025 sprinting 6 furlongs on the main track. Jockey Luis Saez sent 4-1 second choice Champlin to the lead out of the chute through fractions of 21.10 and 43.67 while pressed by 6-1 third choice Fort Bragg and stalked by 8-5 favorite Speed Boat Beach. Turning for home Champlin continued to lead through 5f in 55.55 but Fort Bragg under Juan Hernandez came out 4 wide and rallied to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:08.04. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to 13-2 fourth choice Happy is a Choice third, while favorite Speed Boat Beach tired late and finished last beaten 18 1/4 lengths and was vanned off when found to have bled.
Results chart from Equibase
Left: Fort Bragg returns after the race. Winning trainer Bob Baffert said, "He (Fort Bragg) has matured a lot. We ran him here once before and he ran well (second in the 2023 Pat Day Mile). He did his job today. My other horse (Speed Boat Beach) no doubt needed the race. We'll get him back. It looks like he bled, so they gave him a ride home."
Right: Fort Bragg returns heads to the winner's circle
2025 Triple Crown quick links:
- Preakness Entries - A field of only 9 was entered for the Preakness with Journalism the favorite at 8-5 from post 2 and Sandman second choice at 4-1 from post 8. Check out the horses with post positions, odds, and free past performances.
- Sovereignty rules in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) - Saturday at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty came six wide in the mud to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 1 1/2 lengths over favorite Journalism with Baeza third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Derby Undercard Stakes Results- There were 7 other graded stakes on the card with the Derby, including the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) won by Spirit of St Louis, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) won by Simply in Front, the Derby City Distaff (G1) won by Kopion, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) won by Mindframe, the American Turf (G2) won by Zulu Kingdom, the Pat Day Mile (G2) won by Macho Music, and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) won by Think Big. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- Good Cheer wins the 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) - Friday at Churchill Downs, favorite Good Cheer rallied to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a 2 1/4 lengths in the mud over Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results - There were 6 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by Raging Sea, the Alysheba (G2) won by Fierceness, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Look Forward, the Edgewood Stakes (G2) won by Nitrogen, and the Modesty (G3) won by She Feels Pretty. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Thurby Results - Thursday before the Kentucky Derby is known and Thurby and there were three stakes on the card today: the Opening Verse, Kentucky Juvenile, and St Matthews Stakes won by Brilliant Berti, Pinky Finger, and Fort Bragg on Thurby. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Kentucky Derby and a full field of 20 3-year-old colts plus one also-eligible, with 3-1 morning line favorite Journalism drawing post 8. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
- 2025 Kentucky Oaks Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Longines Kentucky Oaks and a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies, with 6-5 morning line favorite Good Cheer drawing post 11. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Analysis - Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there is tie for first, but the favorite isn't up there!
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Thursday 5/1 at Churchill Downs busy again with lots of Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses out for a gallop, including Citizen Bull, Final Gambit, and Luxor Cafe. Photos and comments for 13 Derby horses, 4 Oaks fillies, plus Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Wednesday 4/30 at Churchill Downs was busy with many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including American Promise, Journalism, and Tiztastic. Photos and comments for 13 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Tuesday 4/29 at Churchill Downs was warmer and saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including Rodriguez, Final Gambit, and Sandman. Photos and comments for 11 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Monday 4/28 at Churchill Downs saw two Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, Citizen Bull and Coal Battle. Photos and comments for 9 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Sunday 4/27 at Churchill Downs saw six Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, including East Avenue, Rodriguez, and Publisher. Photos and comments for 11 Derby and 5 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Saturday 4/26 at Churchill Downs saw five Kentucky Derby and six Oaks horses on the track with timed works, including Journalism, Sovereignty, and La Cara. Photos and comments for 13 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Friday 4/25 at Churchill Downs saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track with several timed works, including Journalism, Tenma, and Burnham Square. Thorpedo Anna also made an appearance. Photos and comments for 10 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby horses.
- Derby Weather Forecasts - up to 15 days in advance
- Kentucky Derby Points List - this is what determines which horses can get in the Kentucky Derby field.
- 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby - All the point earning races on the Triple Crown Trail leading up to the Kentucky Derby with results and winners updated as they are run.
- Kentucky Derby Tickets - See what is for sale on Ebay. Includes tickets and parking.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
- Kentucky Derby Future Wager - This year there were 6 pools starting in November of 2024 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
- Kentucky Derby Prep Races - What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
- Derby prep race charts - free from DRF
- Kentucky Derby Traditions - Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucy Home", fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
- Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
- Kentucky Derby official site - lots of good info and the latest news here
- Louisville Courier Journal coverage - one of your best news sources for the Derby
- Blood Horse Triple Crown Mania - lots of good info here
- DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
- Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
- Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
- Review: Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide - A Comprehensive Guide to Collecting Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glasses and Shot Glasses edited by Judy Marchman
- Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
- Buy advance tickets for the Derby and Oaks - from Churchill Downs and save $5 over the gate price on general admission
- Kentucky Derby Tickets on Ebay
- Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
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Kicking off the Thurby stakes trio was the $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes featuring a field of 5 two-year-olds sprinting 5 furlongs on the main track. Jockey Joel Rosario sent 1-2 favorite and filly Pinky Finger to the lead through fraction of 21.61 and 45.08 while pressed by 11-2 third choice Monster and stalked by 4-1 second choice Double Talker. Pinky Finger opened a 3 1/2 length lead midstretch and held off late-running 10-1 Maximus Prime to win by 1/2 a length in 58.32. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Double Talker third.
Left: Pinky Finger returns after the race. Winning trainer Wesley Ward said, "She's fast; really fast. So far she has done everything we have asked of her. It's truly special to win a stakes race here on Derby Week."
Left: Second place finisher Maximus Prime in the post parade. The Larry Demeritte trainee improved his record to 2 seconds in 2 starts, earning $66,700 for owners Gary and Tiffany Mizzack.
A field of 9 older horses contested the $350,000 Opening Verse Stakes over 1 mile on the turf. Jockey Edgard Zayas sent 20-1 Portofino to the lead first time by through fraction of 24.12 and 48.40 while pressed by 8-1 Georgie W and stalked by 19-1 Piper's Factor. On the far turn Portonfino tired allowing Georgie W to briefly inherit the lead through 3/4 in 1:11.87 before also tiring. 4-1 second choice Lagynos, 4th early, moved up to lead through 7f in 1:23.30 but 9-5 favorite Brilliant Berti, 7th early under Brian Hernandez Jr., came out 4 wide and rallied to win by 1/2 a length in 1:34.93. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to 9-4 second choice Major Dude third.
Left: Brilliant Berti returns after the race. Winning trainer Cherie DeVaux said, "We threw that last race at Fair Grounds (the Muniz Classic) out. It was his first race off a long layoff. He's always done well here (now 4-for-4 here) and I didn't have to tell the rider (Brian Hernandez Jr.) anything. He's handled him a bunch of times."
The $200,000 St. Matthews Stakes featured a field of 10 older horses who have not won a graded stakes in 2024 or 2025 sprinting 6 furlongs on the main track. Jockey Luis Saez sent 4-1 second choice Champlin to the lead out of the chute through fractions of 21.10 and 43.67 while pressed by 6-1 third choice Fort Bragg and stalked by 8-5 favorite Speed Boat Beach. Turning for home Champlin continued to lead through 5f in 55.55 but Fort Bragg under Juan Hernandez came out 4 wide and rallied to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:08.04. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to 13-2 fourth choice Happy is a Choice third, while favorite Speed Boat Beach tired late and finished last beaten 18 1/4 lengths and was vanned off when found to have bled.
Left: Fort Bragg returns after the race. Winning trainer Bob Baffert said, "He (Fort Bragg) has matured a lot. We ran him here once before and he ran well (second in the 2023 Pat Day Mile). He did his job today. My other horse (Speed Boat Beach) no doubt needed the race. We'll get him back. It looks like he bled, so they gave him a ride home."