Thistledown Racetrack Thoroughbred Racing Report: August 14, 2025
Overview
Thistledown Racetrack presents a full schedule of live racing today, August 14, 2025, highlighted by the $100,000 Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes for two-year-old Ohio State-breds at six furlongs. Expected weather is warm, with a forecasted high of 27°C and seasonally mild winds. The main track is rated fast, and all races remain on the dirt. Notable entries, trainers, and jockeys are discussed in detail in the stakes feature and claiming events.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather at Thistledown is forecasted to be clear and warm, with an expected afternoon high of 27°C (approximately 81°F). Humidity levels are moderate, and there is no precipitation in the forecast, providing optimal racing conditions.
The main track is officially listed as “fast” as of the morning’s maintenance report. Handicappers and trainers anticipate minimal bias and full opportunity for both early speed and closing styles.
Race 1: Best of Ohio Honey Jay Stakes – $100,000
The opening stakes race has generated significant attention due to the presence of Silent Rule, an undefeated filly with a perfect 9-for-9 record. According to Daily Racing Form analysts Ashley Mailloux and Scott Shapiro, Silent Rule faces a crucial decision as she’s cross-entered in multiple races but connections appear to be pointing toward this sprint event.
Key Contenders:
- Silent Rule (Post 6): The undefeated filly attempts to extend her perfect record to 10-for-10 while facing males for the first time
- Stage Name (Post 2): Trained by Tim Hamm, figures to close from off the pace
- Empire’s Fire: Trained by Jeffrey A. Radosevich
- Excitement: Also from the Tim Hamm barn
We project a contested early pace with multiple speed horses, including Diamond Dust and potentially Silent Rule herself. This setup could favor closers if the early fractions become too demanding.
Pick: Silent Rule at 3-1 odds with B. Tapara riding for trainer J.P. Bernardini
Race 2: Best of Ohio Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes – $100,000
Distance: 6 furlongs on dirt (2-year-olds)
Pick: No More Cents at 9-5 odds with D. Cannon up for trainer K.G. McPeek
Race 3: Best of Ohio Pay the Man Stakes – $100,000
Featured entries include:
Pick: Generous Lover at 2-1 with L.R. Rivera riding for trainer J. Sharp
Race 4: Best of Ohio Miss Ohio Stakes – $100,000
Distance: 6 furlongs on dirt (2-year-old fillies)
Prize Distribution: Winner receives $63,000, with $20,000 for second and $10,000 for third
Key Contender:
Pick: Kontiki at 1-1 with F. De La Cruz riding for trainer B.H. Cox
Jockey & Trainer Notes
Top Connections:
- Tim Hamm sends out multiple runners including Stage Name and Excitement in the Honey Jay Stakes
- Jeffrey A. Radosevich trains Empire’s Fire and has other runners throughout the card
- L.R. Rivera has multiple mounts including Generous Lover
- B. Tapara gets the call on Silent Rule if connections choose the sprint option
Later Card Highlights
Race 9 – Claiming Event:
Betfred’s expert analysis recommends Venture On at morning line odds. Other contenders include Radio Silent, Coastland, and Midnight Voyage according to early running line projections.
Pick: Midnight Voyage at 4-1 with L.A. Batista up for trainer S.D. Yoder
Betting Strategy & Analysis
The card presents excellent opportunities for multi-race wagers, particularly the Pick 5 sequence covering the stakes races. The pace scenarios in several races suggest tactical advantages for horses positioned off the early pace.
Key Factors:
- Weather conditions and track surface will be critical given the sprint-heavy stakes program
- Silent Rule’s final race selection will significantly impact betting odds and race dynamics
- Ohio-bred bonuses add extra value to winning connections
The combination of competitive Ohio-bred horses and substantial purse money makes today’s Best of Ohio program one of Thistledown’s premier racing events of the year. With five stakes races worth $500,000 in total purse money, the card offers both quality racing and attractive betting opportunities for horseplayers.
Handicapper Insights
Coastland is reportedly “in the form of his life” and bids for his third consecutive win, with handicappers calling his hat-trick prospects “very much on the cards.” Midnight Voyage and Radio Silent warrant strong consideration given their consistent finishing positions and recent efforts. Betting action is expected to settle between Coastland’s sharp recent runs and the deep-closing styles of his rivals in what should prove a tactically dynamic outing.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Susan Yoder and Alan Yahir Rivera, trainers of Midnight Voyage, bring a motivated runner with improving form lines into the contest. Blazing Meadows Farm LLC handles Radio Silent, who qualifies off a competitive summer campaign. Jockey and detailed trainer assignments for Ray’s Empire are not confirmed in the official card data available.
Additional Card Information
No further details on other individual races, runners, jockeys, or trainers are available at the time of publication due to incomplete official entries in the search results. No assumptions are made regarding other competitors or event outcomes.
