As 2025 racing season winds down, excitement builds around promising juveniles like Golden Tempo, the latest TDN Rising Star with a dazzling debut rally at Fair Grounds, now ranked among top 2026 Kentucky Derby contenders alongside undefeated Ted Noffey. Parx Racing gears up for a stakes-filled finale highlighted by the Mrs. Claus Stakes, while industry headlines note retirements and rising talents amid year-end reflections.
Foxy Junior Targets Stakes Double in Mrs. Claus at Parx
A talented field of a dozen fillies and mares lines up for Wednesday's $75,000 Mrs. Claus Stakes at seven furlongs, capping Parx Racing's 2025 season on a high note. Morning-line favorite Foxy Junior, trained by Bernie Houghton, seeks a fifth career stakes victory after dominating the Twixt Stakes at Laurel and a recent Parx score, with jockey Jomar Torres retaining the mount. Challenger Alani, fresh off the Cornucopia Stakes win under Andy Hernandez, brings strong form, while Boutwell Time eyes an upset for Juan Carlos Guerrero following two dominant victories. The card also features the Kris Kringle Stakes, where streak-hot Double Your Money leads, and juvenile showdowns including Butch Reid's trio headlined by Mailata in the Future Stars.
Golden Tempo Earns TDN Rising Star Status with Blistering Rally
Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable's Golden Tempo, a two-year-old son of Curlin out of Carrumba, exploded to become the newest TDN Rising Star in a six-furlong maiden at Fair Grounds. Trailing early after a troubled start, the 14-5 shot unleashed a powerful wide rally under Jose Ortiz, covering the final quarter in :23.57 to win going away by daylight. Despite his sire's classic-distance prowess, the colt's explosive finish hints at unlimited potential stretching out, marking him as an early standout for bigger stages in 2026.
Final 2025 Rookie Rankings Spotlight Derby Hopefuls
Year-end Rookie Rankings for 2026 Kentucky Derby contenders crown three-time Grade 1 winner Ted Noffey as the undisputed leader, boasting victories over top rivals like Litmus Test and Spice Runner under trainer Chad Brown. Golden Tempo cracks the top 10 at No. 10 after his flashy debut, replacing Japan's Pyromancer, while Further Ado, Blackout Time, Litmus Test, Cannoneer, and Iron Honor round out a deep field of sophomores eyeing the Run for the Roses. Standouts like Kenny McPeek's Blackout Time remain Derby-bound despite layoff, underscoring the talent pool primed for next year's classics.
