The Greatest Show On Turf (South Africa – G1)
Sunday, June 22, 2025 — 8:00:00 PM EST | Race ID : 3502850
Grade I / Group 1*CPU – Purse : $1,500,000
Restricted to 3 Year Olds and Older
11 Furlongs | ~2200 Meters | One Mile and and Three Eighths
Firm Turf
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Welcome to “The Greatest Show On Turf,” an 11-furlong test of stamina and speed over a firm turf course that promises to be a gripping contest. This field is stacked with long-distance turf specialists, all vying for supremacy in a race where pace and trip will be paramount. With firm ground expected, horses who prefer a quick surface will likely shine.
Here’s an in-depth look at each contender:
1. JUST STREET TALK (4/1)
- Sire/Mare: Justify x Scratch by Street Cry
- Best Long Speed: 116.422 (12F Turf Race-yld)
- Jockey: F. Gossett
- Analysis: While boasting a top-20 ranking in the Turf Long division, his best speed was achieved on yielding (soft) turf. The firm conditions today at 11 furlongs should not be a concern as he has proven he can handle both firm and yielding tracks.
2. DAY IN THE STRIFE (7/1)
- Sire/Mare: Kingman x My Role Model by Galileo (IRE)
- Best Long Speed: 116.343 (10.5F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: R. Harzheim
- Analysis: This colt’s best form comes on firm turf, and his 10.5-furlong top speed indicates he has the turn of foot for this distance. Although his division rank is lower at #2,299, his preferred conditions give him a real shot.
3. LIVING WITHOUT YOU (13/1)
- Sire/Mare: Palace Pier x Jack’s Inflamed by Galileo (IRE)
- Best Long Speed: 115.548 (11F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: J. Ledwith
- Analysis: LIVING WITHOUT YOU has proven his affinity for firm turf over this exact 11-furlong distance. While his top speed is slightly lower than some rivals, his familiarity with the conditions and distance could make him a sneaky longshot at 13/1.
4. GOOD BEER (7/1)
- Sire/Mare: Dubawi (IRE) x Scratch by Sadler’s Wells
- Best Long Speed: 120.806 (12.5F Turf Race-gd)
- Jockey: R. Hansen
- Analysis: The fastest horse in the field by recorded speed, posting an eye-catching 120.806 over 12.5 furlongs on good turf. Good turf is very close to firm, so he should handle today’s conditions well. His #148 ranking in the division indicates significant class.
5. BLAVAKIN (7/1)
- Sire/Mare: Dubawi (IRE) x Famous Indy by A.P. Indy
- Best Long Speed: 116.71 (10.5F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: J. Hernandez
- Analysis: Another Dubawi offspring who thrives on firm turf over slightly shorter distances. His 10.5-furlong speed is solid, and the extra half-furlong today will test his stamina. Ranked #1,106 in the division.
6. CORNER TRUCK STOP (5/1)
- Sire/Mare: Wootton Bassett (GB) x Weary Kind by Galileo (IRE)
- Best Long Speed: 120.61 (11.5F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: J. Caves
- Analysis: A formidable contender with the second-highest speed figure (120.61) on firm turf over 11.5 furlongs, making him ideally suited for today’s conditions. His #273 ranking confirms his quality.
7. CANDY BOYS (8/1)
- Sire/Mare: Twirling Candy x A Perfect Sunday by Sadler’s Wells
- Best Long Speed: 116.753 (12F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: D. Givins
- Analysis: A consistent performer on firm turf, having run well over 12 furlongs. The cutback to 11 furlongs on firm ground should play to his strengths, allowing him to maintain his speed more effectively. His #61 ranking shows he’s a highly respected runner in this division.
8. ESKAPEDES (8/1)
- Sire/Mare: Eskendereya x Federal Office by Enticed
- Best Long Speed: 110.597 (10F Turf Race-gd)
- Jockey: J. Stivers
- Analysis: With a best long speed of 110.597 over 10 furlongs on good turf, ESKAPEDES has the lowest top speed in the field. While he’s ranked #782 in the division, he will need to find significant improvement to be competitive against these faster rivals over 11 furlongs on firm ground.
9. FOR THE GLORIE (8/1)
- Sire/Mare: Logician (GB) x Wicked Wench by Montjeu
- Best Long Speed: 116.561 (11F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: K. Ledwith
- Analysis: This colt has proven form over 11 furlongs on firm turf, hitting 116.561. His European pedigree suggests a natural affinity for turf. Ranked #521 in the division, he’s a reliable performer and could be right in the mix with a clean run.
10. LA FIREEZ (6/1)
- Sire/Mare: Dubawi (IRE) x Scratch by Sadler’s Wells
- Best Long Speed: 119.548 (11F Turf Race-frm)
- Jockey: Q. Cassell
- Analysis: This Dubawi colt is a standout, boasting a 119.548 top speed on firm turf over this very 11-furlong distance. This makes him exceptionally well-suited for today’s conditions. His #45 ranking in the Turf Long division highlights his strong credentials.
GOOD BEER (#4) and CORNER TRUCK STOP (#6) appear to be the clear favorites based on their blistering speeds on firm turf and high rankings. LA FIREEZ (#10) is also a strong contender with similar attributes. CANDY BOYS (#7) and DAY IN THE STRIFE (#2) are also well-suited by the firm conditions and could challenge if the top contenders falter.
This truly is “The Greatest Show On Turf,” and a thrilling finish is anticipated!
geez, was quite the different result as advertised. Corner Truck Stop had no stamina considering he shorten up and props to PadreBri on that trouncing down the stretch.