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Century Mile (Century Downs) presents a solid nine-race card on Saturday, October 25, 2025, featuring a mix of Quarter Horse stakes action, claiming events, and maiden races with two stakes events highlighting the program.
Race Day Overview
Track conditions are favorable with fast dirt surface reported as of 1:12 PM ET. Weather conditions are mainly sunny with temperatures around 12°C (54°F), dropping to 1°C overnight, with minimal precipitation expected. The track surface should remain consistent throughout the card, favoring tactical speed and horses that can maintain position.
Several scratches have been noted, including Richards Command from Race 2 (veterinarian scratch) and multiple overweight adjustments across various races. The scratch of Richards Command reduces Race 2 to four runners, creating potential for shorter odds on the remaining contenders.
Race 1 – Quarter Horse Stakes (770 yards, $21,200)
The CTD Distance Stakes for three-year-olds and up offers quality Quarter Horse action at 770 yards. First Gold Dash draws attention as the lone three-year-old receiving a 2-pound weight break at 124 pounds with Stewart Blandford riding. The Carson Frey trainee gets tactical speed that should be effective at this distance.
Cd Brookstone Boogie brings seasoned experience under Steadman Linton Leon for trainer Clifton Dennis. The seven-year-old carries 126 pounds but has shown consistency in similar company. Uncommon Soldier represents the same Dennis barn with apprentice Laurina Bugeaud claiming a valuable five pounds, making the effective weight 121 pounds.
Race 2 – Claiming ($15,500, 1 1/16 miles, $8,000 claiming)
With Richards Command scratched, the field shrinks to four runners, creating a competitive but manageable betting race. Papichulo stands out with Jose Mariano Asencio, who leads the Century Mile jockey standings with strong form. The seven-year-old gelding for trainer Colten Mead carries 125 pounds and should appreciate the distance.
Trapeze enters with Keihton Natera aboard for Jerri Robertson, though this connection faces tougher competition. Ameer brings veteran Kemar Richard Chase for trainer Seymour Biggs, offering value potential in the reduced field.
Race 3 – Freedom of the City Stakes ($50,000, 7.5 furlongs)
This $50,000 stakes race for two-year-old fillies represents the premier juvenile filly event on today’s card, featuring four talented runners competing at 7½ furlongs on dirt. The compact field creates excellent betting opportunities with each filly bringing distinct advantages to this competitive stakes event.
Detailed Contender Analysis
The Wright Way (Post 1, Rasheed Hughes, 123 lbs)
The Wright Way enters as the likely favorite with Century Mile’s leading jockey Rasheed Hughes aboard. Hughes currently leads all riders at the meet with 191 starts and 30 wins, earning over $547,000 in purses, demonstrating exceptional consistency throughout 2025. The Colleen O’Hagan trainee draws the rail position, which provides tactical flexibility for Hughes’ patient riding style.
O’Hagan has shown recent improvement, breaking a prolonged streak of second-place finishes with a victory earlier this year. The trainer-jockey combination brings experience to this stakes assignment, with Hughes having captured major stakes throughout his career, including the Canadian Derby with Take Charge Tom in August 2025.
The rail draw could prove advantageous if The Wright Way shows early speed, allowing Hughes to control the pace from the inside. However, if she breaks slowly, the inside post could create traffic concerns in this short field.
Dale’s Legacy (Post 2, N’Rico Prescod, 120 lbs)
Dale’s Legacy offers significant value carrying just 120 pounds with apprentice N’Rico Prescod claiming the full 3-pound allowance. Prescod ranks fifth among Century Mile jockeys with 144 starts, 22 wins, and over $312,000 in earnings, proving his competence beyond typical apprentice level.
The Barbadian rider brings impressive credentials, having been leading apprentice in his homeland before relocating to Alberta. Prescod has demonstrated stakes-winning ability, capturing the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby and earning over $400,000 in a previous season. His tactical awareness and experience in major races suggest he can maximize Dale’s Legacy’s chances while carrying the lightest weight in the field.
Trainer Craig Robert Smith provides solid conditioning, and the 3-pound weight advantage could prove decisive in a close finish. Prescod’s ability to find racing room and his patient style suit the distance and competitive nature of this stakes event.
Playful (Post 3, Antonio Whitehall, 123 lbs)
Playful brings perhaps the most accomplished rider in the field with Antonio Whitehall, a former Canada leading jockey who has previously captured the Freedom of the City Stakes with She Likes to Party in 2020. Whitehall’s resume includes tactical excellence, with his agent noting his ability to put horses in good positions and remain patient throughout races.
The Violence filly represents trainer Gonzalo Anderson and carries morning line odds of 6/1, suggesting bookmakers view her as a legitimate contender but not the clear favorite. Whitehall’s experience in this specific stakes race provides valuable insight into tactical requirements and pace dynamics.
Anderson maintains solid statistics as a trainer, and the Violence bloodline suggests Playful should handle the 7½-furlong distance effectively. Whitehall’s proven ability in stakes company and tactical awareness make this combination dangerous at attractive odds.
Hiway Fortynine (Post 4, Linton Leon Steadman, 123 lbs)
Hiway Fortynine represents trainer Rodney Cone with veteran jockey Linton Leon Steadman aboard. The Cross Traffic filly faces the challenge of overcoming the outside post position in this four-horse field, though the small field size minimizes this disadvantage.
Steadman brings experience and tactical knowledge to this assignment, though he lacks the statistical dominance of Hughes or the stakes-winning credentials of Whitehall. Cone’s training record suggests competence, and Cross Traffic offspring often show improvement with racing experience.
The outside post provides options for Steadman to assess early pace development and position Hiway Fortynine accordingly. If the inside runners engage in early pace pressure, the outside post could prove advantageous for a late charge.
Pace Analysis
The compact four-horse field suggests a tactical affair rather than breakneck early fractions. Hughes aboard The Wright Way typically rates horses early, while Whitehall excels at finding the right spot. Prescod’s patient style suggests Dale’s Legacy will settle into the pace rather than pressing early.
The rail position for The Wright Way creates potential for controlled fractions if she shows early foot. However, if multiple fillies show speed, the pace could develop more honestly, setting up a scenario favoring closers like Playful with Whitehall’s tactical awareness.
Wagering Strategy
The small field creates exacta and trifecta opportunities with manageable combinations. Dale’s Legacy offers the best value proposition with her weight advantage and accomplished apprentice rider. The Wright Way appears the logical favorite but may offer limited value given Hughes’ popularity.
Playful presents an intriguing middle ground with proven connections and attractive odds, while Hiway Fortynine could provide upset potential if pace dynamics favor her late positioning.
Recommended Selections:
- Win: Dale’s Legacy (best value with weight advantage)
- Place: The Wright Way (reliable favorite with leading rider)
- Show: Playful (experienced stakes winner aboard)
Exotic Play: Box Dale’s Legacy and The Wright Way in exactas, with Playful included in trifectas for wider coverage at appealing odds.
Race 4 – Claiming ($13,000, 1 1/16 miles, $6,000 claiming)
This restricted claiming event for fillies and mares creates opportunities for improvement. Everything to Gain catches attention with Tevin Foster riding for trainer Cory Rumsey. The five-year-old mare has shown recent form and should appreciate the distance.
Ubbadeets represents trainer Darcy Smith with Keihton Natera, offering experience in similar company. Blue Apple Seven drops down from tougher competition and receives a three-pound apprentice allowance with Mauricio Malvaez aboard.
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight ($28,000, 6 furlongs)
Quality maiden event featuring seven two-year-olds seeking their first victory. Pour House draws attention as a colt for trainer Todd Kettleson with Keimar Trotman riding. The breeding suggests early speed that should be effective at six furlongs.
River Rock Fire represents trainer James Brown with Rasheed Hughes, bringing the leading rider to this assignment. The two-year-old colt should benefit from Hughes’ tactical awareness. Atthebargetntipsy offers value with Dane Nelson for Gonzalo Anderson, representing a consistent trainer-jockey combination.
Key Selection: River Rock Fire with Hughes provides the best combination of talent and tactical riding.
Race 6 – Claiming ($18,500, 1 1/16 miles, $12,500 claiming)
Pacheco stands out with Jose Mariano Asencio aboard for trainer Tom Rycroft. The five-year-old gelding has shown ability at this level and benefits from the leading rider. Attenzione offers value with Tevin Foster claiming the apprentice allowance for trainer Gonzalo Anderson.
Derzkii brings N’Rico Prescod for trainer Ron Grieves, representing a connection that has shown recent improvement. The seven-year-old carries full weight but has demonstrated ability in similar company.
Race 7 – Claiming ($13,000, 1 1/16 miles, $4,000 claiming)
Lower-level claiming event with seven runners seeking improvement. Victoria’s Chief draws attention with Jose Mariano Asencio for trainer Tim Rycroft. The five-year-old gelding drops in class and should benefit from the leading rider’s tactics.
Mad Luther offers value with N’Rico Prescod for trainer Colleen O’Hagan. The nine-year-old brings experience and could offer upset potential at longer odds. Jumeirah Coast represents Tim Rycroft with Rasheed Hughes, creating a formidable trainer-jockey combination.
Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming ($25,000, 1 1/16 miles)
Competitive allowance event with multiple angles. Newhart draws attention as a four-year-old colt for trainer Mel Snow with N’Rico Prescod riding. The distance suits, and the connections have shown competence throughout the meet.
Ghostly Spitfire brings Jose Mariano Asencio for trainer Tim Rycroft, representing the leading rider with an experienced barn. Bringer of Rain offers value with Steadman Linton Leon for trainer Rodney Cone, bringing tactical experience to the assignment.
Race 9 – Birdcatcher Stakes ($50,000, 1 1/16 miles)
The evening’s feature presentation, the $50,000 Birdcatcher Stakes, showcases Alberta’s top two-year-olds competing at 1 1/16 miles with a field limit of 10 starters. This prestigious race crowns the juvenile season at Century Mile and offers excellent wagering opportunities with diverse talent throughout the competitive field.
Detailed Contender Analysis
Helioo (Post 9, Rasheed Hughes, 124 lbs)
Helioo emerges as the morning line favorite at 9/2 odds, representing the powerful combination of leading jockey Rasheed Hughes and trainer Mel Snow. The Authentic colt brings significant backing from Don B. Danard, a multiple graded stakes-winning owner who ranked first by wins and ninth by earnings in 2024. Danard’s impressive statistics show 699 starts in 2025 with 82 wins and nearly $2.4 million in earnings, demonstrating quality over quantity.
Hughes continues his dominant season, currently leading Century Mile’s jockey standings with 191 starts and 30 wins through mid-September. His partnership with trainer Snow has produced consistent results, and Hughes’ tactical brilliance suits this stakes assignment perfectly. The Authentic bloodline suggests stamina for the 1 1/16-mile distance, while Hughes’ ability to position horses effectively should prove crucial in this competitive field.
The post position near the outside provides tactical flexibility for Hughes to assess early pace development and position Helioo for maximum impact. Snow’s training methods have consistently produced stakes-caliber performers, making this combination formidable despite the competitive odds.
Big Curl (Post 4, Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez, 124 lbs)
Big Curl represents perhaps the most accomplished juvenile in the field, having captured the Kindergarten Stakes at Century Mile on August 2nd in impressive fashion. The Tim Rycroft trainee broke his maiden in just his second career start, demonstrating rapid improvement under Gonzalez’s confident handling.
Rycroft, despite experiencing a challenging 2025 season with only 15 wins from 138 starts, remains a five-time leading trainer in Alberta with extensive stakes success. His expertise with juveniles appears evident in Big Curl’s development, and the trainer specifically mentioned that “the horses are starting to come around now” in September, suggesting improved form timing.
Gonzalez brings solid experience to this stakes assignment, having guided Big Curl through his maiden-breaking victory in the Kindergarten Stakes. The combination’s proven success at this level creates confidence for another strong performance in this more prestigious event. Big Curl’s early speed should position him prominently from the mid-field post position.
Alberta Ice (Post 2, Dane Nelson, 124 lbs)
Alberta Ice offers local appeal with veteran jockey Dane Nelson aboard for trainer Rodney Cone. Nelson brings impressive credentials as a former Jamaica champion who has successfully transitioned to Alberta racing. His four winners over two days in July 2025 demonstrated his continued competence at Century Mile.
Previous results show Alberta Ice has competed competitively, including a strong showing on August 8th when finishing second under Mauricio Malvaez. The switch to Nelson suggests connections view this as a significant opportunity, with the experienced rider bringing tactical awareness to navigate the competitive field.
The inside post position provides Nelson with options to rate Alberta Ice early or press the pace if needed. Cone’s training has shown consistent improvement with this juvenile, and the local breeding suggests he should handle the track conditions effectively.
First Infantry (Post 5, N’Rico Prescod, 124 lbs)
First Infantry presents excellent value potential with apprentice N’Rico Prescod aboard, though notably carrying full weight without claiming an allowance. Prescod ranks fifth among Century Mile jockeys with 141 starts, 22 wins, and over $309,000 in earnings, demonstrating competence well beyond typical apprentice level.
Trainer Craig Robert Smith leads Century Mile’s trainer standings, ranking third with 136 starts and showing consistency throughout the meet. Smith’s success in developing juveniles, combined with Prescod’s tactical awareness and stakes-winning experience, creates an attractive combination at potentially generous odds.
The mid-field post position allows Prescod to assess early pace development and position First Infantry accordingly. The barn’s success throughout the meet suggests this runner arrives in peak condition for the stakes assignment.
Dauntless Daryl (Post 10, Antonio Whitehall, 121 lbs)
Dauntless Daryl offers significant value carrying just 121 pounds with veteran jockey Antonio Whitehall claiming the 3-pound maiden allowance. Whitehall’s impressive resume includes being a former Canada leading jockey with extensive stakes success. His patient riding style and tactical awareness make him dangerous when given weight advantages in competitive fields.
Trainer Ron Grieves provides solid conditioning, and the outside post position allows Whitehall to assess early pace dynamics before committing to tactical decisions. The 3-pound weight advantage could prove decisive in a close finish, while Whitehall’s proven ability in stakes company suggests upset potential at attractive odds.
Supporting Contenders
Relaxgodoitramone (Post 1, Jose Mariano Asencio, 124 lbs) brings the rail position with Tim Rycroft’s secondary runner. Asencio’s leading rider status provides tactical expertise from the inside post.
Kamal (Post 3, Richard Balgobin, 124 lbs) represents trainer James Brown, who ranks fifth among meet leaders with 79 starts and consistent performance throughout 2025.
Pace Analysis
The large field suggests honest early fractions with multiple runners possessing tactical speed. Hughes aboard Helioo typically rates horses early, while Whitehall excels at finding optimal positioning. Nelson’s experience suggests Alberta Ice will settle appropriately, and Gonzalez has shown patience with Big Curl’s development.
The inside posts for Relaxgodoitramone and Alberta Ice could create early positioning battles, while the outside posts for Helioo and Dauntless Daryl provide tactical flexibility. The 1 1/16-mile distance allows for tactical maneuvering throughout the race’s development.
Wagering Strategy
The competitive field creates excellent exotic wagering opportunities with multiple legitimate contenders at varying odds. Big Curl offers proven stakes success at this level, while Helioo brings the leading rider with strong ownership backing. First Infantry presents value with the leading trainer and competent apprentice, while Dauntless Daryl offers upset potential with weight relief and proven connections.
Recommended Selections:
- Win: Big Curl (proven stakes winner with improving trainer)
- Place: Helioo (leading rider with strong backing)
- Show: First Infantry (leading trainer with value potential)
Exotic Strategy: Box Big Curl, Helioo, and First Infantry in exactas and trifectas, with Dauntless Daryl and Alberta Ice included for deeper coverage at attractive odds. The competitive field suggests multiple combinations could provide value returns in this prestigious stakes finale.
Jockey Analysis
Rasheed Hughes leads the Century Mile standings and appears multiple times on today’s card with strong mounts. Jose Mariano Asencio brings consistent performance and tactical awareness to his assignments. N’Rico Prescod offers value through apprentice allowances while maintaining competitive ability.
Trainer Insights
Tim Rycroft represents multiple horses and has shown consistent improvement throughout the meet. Rodney Cone brings experience with both juvenile and veteran runners. Gonzalo Anderson maintains steady performance across various claiming levels.
Wagering Strategy
The two stakes races (Races 3 and 9) offer the best opportunities for exotic wagers with competitive fields. Race 2’s reduced field creates potential for shorter odds but safer betting propositions. Focus on trainer-jockey combinations that have shown recent success, particularly Hughes and Asencio with their respective barns.
Best Value Plays: River Rock Fire (Race 5), Everything to Gain (Race 4), and Alberta Ice (Race 9) offer potential overlay opportunities based on class analysis and connections.
