The MGD Special (G1)

Sunday, July 27, 2025 — 3:00:00 PM EST | Race ID : 3503366

Grade I / Group 1*CPU – Purse : $750,000
Restricted to 3 Year Olds and Older
6.5 Furlongs | ~1300 Meters | Thirteen Sixteenths of a Mile
Firm Turf

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Let’s get ready for “The MGD Special,” a restricted 6.5-furlong turf sprint on what is expected to be a firm course! This race for 3-year-olds and older features a blend of seasoned turf sprinters, with some high-class pedigrees on display. The firm turf should allow these horses to show their best speed, and with many having excellent records at or near this distance, it promises to be a lightning-fast affair.

Here’s a breakdown of each contender:

1. CARBON AUDIT (26/1)

Owner: roxy
Breeder : roxy
Foaled in NM

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Western Gambler, a sire whose progeny tend to be versatile, and out of Ebalvyira, by the sensational Japanese champion Kitasan Black. Kitasan Black was known for his incredible stamina, so this mare’s side might bring a surprising touch of staying power to this sprint-oriented pedigree.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #922 in the Turf Sprint division, Carbon Audit’s best speed of 108.369 came over 6 furlongs on firm turf. While he’s shown ability, his rank and slightly lower speed figure suggest he’ll need a significant jump to compete with the top contenders here. He’s a longshot, but the Kitasan Black influence could make him interesting on a drying track.
• Notable Races: BERC July Cup, Iron Knight Sprint (G1 2nd), and His Storms Turf Sprint

2. HAVE THE AUDACITY (7/1)

Owner: ebro
Breeder : spinround
Foaled in AUS

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Street Boss, a sire known for producing fast, versatile sprinters on both dirt and turf. The mare, Return From War, is by War Front, an elite sire renowned for producing top-class turf runners and sprinters. This is a pedigree built for speed and class.
• Race Outlook: Interestingly, Have The Audacity’s best rank (#254) is in the Dirt Sprint division, and his top speed of 115.646 was posted over 7 furlongs on fast dirt. This is a significant surface switch to firm turf. While his pedigree has strong turf influences, he’ll need to prove he can translate that dirt speed to the green. If he takes to the turf, he could be dangerous.
• Notable Races: Shans Beau Turf Sprint, Florida BB Sprint Championship (G2 3rd), Pablo Verces Handicap (G2 3rd), The Foolish Tom (G2), and MD Breeders Bowl (G3)

3. VEGAS STRIKE (4/1)

Owner: given18
Breeder : givenelite4
Foaled in IRE

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Lope de Vega, a top European sire known for versatile, high-class turf runners, often with a good turn of foot. The mare, Midnight Strike, is by Smart Strike, a highly influential American sire known for producing durable, consistent runners on dirt, but also some very good turf performers.
• Race Outlook: A strong contender here, Vegas Strike is ranked #100 in the Turf Sprint division and has excellent form for this race, posting a blistering 119.071 over this very 6.5-furlong distance on firm turf. This makes him one of the fastest in the field over the exact conditions. He’s the horse to beat.
• Notable Races: In Position Turf Dash, Barbs Lazybones Turf Dash, Champions of Britain Stakes (G2 3rd), and Tenacity Turf Sprint.

4. BLUE CURACAOS (21/1)

Owner: corza10
Breeder : corza10
Foaled in IRE

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Exceed And Excel, a champion sprinter and highly successful sire of precocious speed on turf. The mare, Smile Of Sayonara, is by Siyouni, a top French sire whose progeny are known for their speed and ability on turf. This is a pure sprint turf pedigree.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #4,092 in the Dirt Sprint division, but his high speed of 108.372 was indeed posted over 6 furlongs on firm turf. This suggests he’s more of a turf specialist, despite his curious dirt ranking. He’s a longshot, but his speed on turf at least makes him relevant for the distance.
• Notable Races: Tempest Louis Dirt Sprint

5. MOGADISH (6/1)

Owner: jtlstables
Breeder : jtlstables
Foaled in IRE

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Merchant Navy (AUS), an Australian Group 1-winning sprinter, known for siring speedy types. The mare, I’m In The Dark, is by Dark Angel (IRE), another top European sire of fast, tough turf sprinters. This pedigree is all about elite turf speed.
• Race Outlook: A formidable rival to Vegas Strike, Mogadish is impressively ranked #13 in the Turf Sprint division. He owns the highest recorded speed in the field at 119.706, achieved over 7 furlongs on firm turf. This indicates he has both raw speed and the ability to carry it over a demanding sprint distance. He’ll be a strong challenger.
• Notable Races: The All Ages (G2 3rd), Canter Stakes (G1 2nd), Winx at You Stakes (G1), Ocean Yacht Stakes (G2), and W. Dancer Turf Sprint.

6. PERSONALITY CULT (12/1)

Owner: asrstar11
Breeder : slowroll28
Foaled in IRE

• Pedigree Breakdown: By No Nay Never, a brilliant sprinter who has become a highly successful sire of precocious and fast turf runners. The mare is scratchbred by Danehill, a hugely influential sire whose daughters are excellent producers of speed and versatility.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #43 in the Turf Sprint division, Personality Cult hit 113.454 over 6 furlongs on firm turf. This is a solid speed figure. The 6.5 furlongs should be well within his range, and his pedigree suggests a natural affinity for turf sprinting. Don’t count him out as a mid-range contender.
• Notable Races: The Hotless Stud Stakes (G1), Saint Jim Palace Stakes (G1 2nd), The 2000 Guinea Pigz (G1 2nd), This is Our Time Stakes (G1), and The Phone Call (G1).

7. WAIST (85/1)

Owner: corzak0
Breeder : corzak0
Foaled in GB

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Palace Pier, a multiple Group 1 winner over a mile on turf, known for siring high-class turf runners. The mare, The Pure Rock, is by Fastnet Rock (AUS), a top Australian sire known for producing tough, versatile runners on turf, often with good speed.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #530 in the Turf Sprint division, Waist’s best speed is 97.817 over 6 furlongs on firm turf. This is significantly lower than his rivals, and at 85/1, he’s a true longshot. While his pedigree hints at talent, his recorded form suggests he’ll need a monumental effort to factor here.
• Notable Races: Hunting Lodge Stakes (G3 3rd)

8. FANTASTICEO (7/1)

Owner: newastiny
Breeder : newastinxx
Foaled in AUS

• Pedigree Breakdown: By I Am Invincible (AUS), one of Australia’s premier sires of champion sprinters. The mare, Awesome Racer, is by Galileo (IRE), the legendary European sire of classic winners and stamina. This is an intriguing cross, blending top-tier sprint speed with elite stamina.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #62 in the Turf Sprint division, Fantasticeo has a strong speed of 115.393 over 7 furlongs on firm turf. The I Am Invincible side provides the pure speed, and the Galileo dam could give him the necessary stamina to carry it through 6.5 furlongs with power. He’s a legitimate contender.
• Notable Races: The King’s Last Stand Sprint (G2 3rd), Closing Up Shop Sprint (G2), Fall Down Turf Sprint.

9. FIGHTING DESTINY (8/1)

Owner: futurestar
Breeder : dixielcl2
Foaled in IRE

• Pedigree Breakdown: Another by No Nay Never, indicating strong turf sprint ability. The mare, Prince Destiny, is by Dubawi (IRE), a world-class sire known for producing top-class, versatile runners on various surfaces and distances. Dubawi adds substance and class.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #21 in the Turf Sprint division, Fighting Destiny clocked 114.765 over 6 furlongs on firm turf. This is very competitive speed. With the No Nay Never speed and Dubawi stamina influence, he should be perfectly suited to the 6.5-furlong trip. He’s definitely one to watch.
• Notable Races: The Chipchaser (G3), The Duke Of Mork (G2), Syn City Turf Dash, The Hotless Stud Stakes (G1 2nd), The Too Young To Beat Older Horses Stakes (G1 3rd), Beachside Stakes (G2), The Arrows Sprint (G2 2nd), and Tete Drakon Turf Challenge.

10. CAPE FREAK (18/1)

Owner: lostkey5
Breeder : pasingwind
Foaled in NZ

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Tavistock (NZ), a New Zealand sire known for producing stayers and classic winners. The mare, Lady Caleria, is by Cape Cross, an excellent sire of turf runners with stamina. This is a pedigree that leans heavily towards staying power rather than pure sprint speed.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #1,320 in the Turf Sprint division, Cape Freak has a 108.378 high speed over 6.5 furlongs on firm turf. While he’s shown he can run at this distance, his pedigree suggests he might prefer longer. He’ll need to use his stamina to grind out a result against faster rivals.
• Notable Races: Local Championship Stakes (NZ).

11. IM NOT THE DEVIL (6/1)

Owner: mitole
Breeder : mitole
Foaled in AUS

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Farnan (AUS), an Australian Golden Slipper winner (5.5F), suggesting precocious speed. The mare, Trouble Finds Me, is by the legendary Galileo (IRE), injecting immense stamina and class. This is another intriguing blend of pure sprint and deep stamina.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #15 in the Turf Sprint division, Im Not The Devil hit 114.613 over 6.5 furlongs on firm turf, demonstrating he’s a top-tier sprinter. The Galileo influence on the dam side means he should have no issues with the trip. He’s a strong contender who can go with the pace.
• Notable Races: The Orange Tree (G3), The Universal (G1 3rd), King Kong Sprint (G1 2nd), The Umbria (G3), and The Blue Pin (G3).

12. SNITZBITZ (8/1)

Owner: cancun7
Breeder : xmonster5
Foaled in AUS

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Sooboog (AUS), an Australian Group 2-winning sprinter. The mare, Chosen Rock, is by Fastnet Rock (AUS), a champion sire known for producing tough, versatile, and speedy turf runners in Australia. This is a very Australian-centric sprint pedigree.
• Race Outlook: With a high speed of 113.572 over 6 furlongs on firm turf, Snitzbitz is clearly a talented sprinter. His rank information is missing, but his speed fits right in with this group. The 6.5 furlongs should be manageable. He’s a live longshot.
• Notable Races: The Golden Jamboree (G2), Sydney Sprint (G1 3rd), The Teller Stakes (G2 3rd), The Hotless Stud Stakes (G1 3rd), No Love Sprint (G2 2nd), Fassbender Sprint (G2), Full Zach Turf Sprint, and Cart Yelling Turf Memorial.

13. CRUMBLED PIER (65/1)

Owner: coagulate0
Breeder : corzacan9
Foaled in GB

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Palace Pier, a top European miler on turf. The mare, Sound of Crumbling, is by the undefeated and legendary Frankel (GB), a world-class sire of champions across distances. This pedigree is pure class and turf ability, with more stamina suggested than pure sprint.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #350 in the Turf Sprint division, Crumbled Pier’s best speed is 100.551 over 7 furlongs on firm turf. This speed figure is lower than most of his rivals. While his pedigree is exceptional, his form suggests he needs to find a lot more to challenge in this field. He’s a big outsider.
• Notable Races: Junior Cozzene Turf Dash.

14. DR. TUNA (11/1)

Owner: napaspirit
Breeder : napaspirit
Foaled in AUS

• Pedigree Breakdown: By Tiger Of Malay (AUS), an Australian Group 2 winner who placed in Group 1 sprints. The mare is scratchbred by Shamardal, an excellent sire known for versatile, high-class runners over varying distances. This pedigree offers a mix of Australian speed and European versatility.
• Race Outlook: Ranked #106 in the Turf Sprint division, Dr. Tuna posted 111.887 over 6.5 furlongs on firm turf. This is a solid figure for the distance. The Shamardal influence from the dam’s side could give him an extra gear. He’s a consistent performer who could get into the money.
• Notable Races: The Militarize Stakes (G2 2nd), Saints and Sinners Sprint (G1 3rd), Iron Knight Sprint (G1 3rd), and The Phone Call (G1 2nd).

The MGD Special Overall Outlook:

This 6.5-furlong dash on firm turf promises to be a lightning-fast affair. The key contenders appear to be VEGAS STRIKE (#3), who has already shown top speed at this exact distance, and MOGADISH (#5), who boasts the highest speed figure in the field.

However, several others have excellent chances. FANTASTICEO (#8) and IM NOT THE DEVIL (#11) bring top-tier sprint speed combined with significant stamina influences in their pedigrees, which could be crucial over the demanding 6.5 furlongs. FIGHTING DESTINY (#9) and PERSONALITY CULT (#6) are also highly rated sprinters who fit the conditions perfectly.

Keep an eye on HAVE THE AUDACITY (#2); if he can translate his dirt speed to the turf, he could be a major threat. For value, SNITZBITZ (#12) is an interesting Australian-bred with good speed for the distance.