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Turfway Park presents its second annual Synthetic Championships on Saturday, December 13, 2025, featuring a prestigious ten-race card highlighted by four stakes races worth $250,000 each. The championship day has attracted elite connections including Hall of Fame jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Flavien Prat, along with top trainers Brad Cox, Michael Maker, and Brendan Walsh. Racing begins at 5:55 PM Eastern with the first stakes race at 8:25 PM.
The meet continues to show strong momentum with an average field size of 9.1 starters per race and competitive racing throughout. The Synthetic Championships have become a cornerstone event for the winter racing calendar, drawing horses from across North America including shippers from Woodbine, Florida, and major Kentucky operations.
Weather and Track Conditions
The Florence, Kentucky area forecast for December 13 shows a high near 31°F and a low of -2°F with winter weather conditions. Cold weather advisory and winter storm warnings are in effect for the region. However, these conditions will have minimal impact on racing as Turfway Park features a Tapeta synthetic surface that provides consistent racing regardless of weather.
The Tapeta surface at Turfway Park historically plays fairly without dramatic sustained biases. The synthetic track tends to favor horses that can sustain momentum rather than those with explosive early speed, giving closers and stalkers equal opportunities. Track conditions remain fast and consistent on the all-weather surface.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Recent Turfway Park data reveals subtle post position trends worth consideration. In sprint races of six furlongs or less, outside posts have shown slightly better performance than inside draws. Posts seven through ten have produced winning percentages above expected averages, while posts one and two have been marginally less productive.
For routes of one mile and beyond, the bias is less pronounced, though extreme outside posts can be disadvantageous due to added distance traveled. The synthetic surface favors sustained momentum over explosive early speed, making pace analysis critical for handicapping success.
According to current meet statistics, stall seven was the most profitable post position in sprints with a 17% win rate. Posts one, two, and nine had the lowest percentage of winners with just 9% each. For routes over a mile, 30% of winners came from post eleven in a small sample.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
5:55 PM Eastern
Six furlongs on Tapeta synthetic surface. Purse $100,000. Three-year-olds and upward.
Pace Analysis
This race shapes up with moderate early pace pressure. Game Day and Dismiss both show early foot and should establish the tempo. Rose Ruler and Tuxedo Park also possess tactical speed that could complicate the early dynamics. The pace scenario should set up well for closers with a stalking trip.
Key Contenders
Hogie the Player draws strong support as the morning line favorite at 2-1. Trained by Glenn Wismer and ridden by Luan Machado, this three-year-old gelding finished a close second in his most recent start and shows improving form. Machado finished the recent winter/spring meet with 51 wins and has demonstrated dominance at Turfway Park with five career riding titles.
Game Day represents trainer Eric Reed and jockey Walter Rodriguez at 7-2 morning line odds. This three-year-old colt by Game Winner shows tactical speed and the connections have solid credentials at the meet.
Dismiss comes from the Pavel Matejka barn with Dylan Machado aboard at 3-1. This three-year-old gelding has shown competitive form and the inside post position could provide tactical advantages.
Secondary Choices
Newark trained by Michelle Elliott draws Jose Ramos Gutierrez as pilot. The three-year-old gelding shows closing ability that could benefit from anticipated pace pressure up front.
Consolidated represents trainer Arnaud Delacour with Victor Carrasco riding. The three-year-old gelding was previously on the also-eligible list, indicating trainer confidence in the spot.
Selections
Win: Hogie the Player
Place: Game Day
Show: Dismiss
Race 2 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time
6:25 PM Eastern
Six furlongs on Tapeta. Purse $102,000. Two-year-old fillies that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state bred, or have never won two races.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be honest with several fillies showing early speed. Music Burst and Diablo Shiraz both possess tactical speed to establish position early. The pace setup could favor stalkers and closers if the early tempo becomes contested.
Key Contenders
Believe in Magic draws considerable support as the 5-2 morning line favorite. Trained by William Morey and piloted by Flavien Prat, this two-year-old filly finished second in stakes company last time. The combination of elite jockey Prat with quality form makes this filly dangerous. Prat ranks among North America’s leading jockeys with exceptional career statistics.
Cadenza represents the powerful Brad Cox barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons at 3-1. This two-year-old filly impressed when winning on debut and Cox enjoys tremendous success with juvenile fillies. The Cox-Ortiz combination has produced exceptional results, with Cox maintaining a 35% win rate.
Back Ring Buzz comes from Michael Maker’s barn with Adam Beschizza riding. Maker has dominated recent Turfway Park meets with 24 career leading trainer titles. The filly shows consistent placed efforts and should factor.
Secondary Choices
Music Burst trained by George Arnold II draws Luan Machado. Arnold has solid statistics at the current meet and Machado’s expertise on the synthetic surface provides an edge.
Spinelli represents Joseph Orseno with Samuel Marin aboard. The filly could offer value at longer odds if pace dynamics develop favorably.
Selections
Win: Believe in Magic
Place: Cadenza
Show: Back Ring Buzz
Race 3 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time
6:55 PM Eastern
One and one-quarter miles on Tapeta. Purse $104,000. Fillies and mares three years old and upward.
Pace Analysis
The marathon distance should produce moderate early fractions with runners settling into comfortable positions. Royal Justice and Fourfiftyseven may show early inclination, but the extended trip typically favors patient rides and strong closers.
Key Contenders
Golden Sunshine represents trainer Eoin Harty with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding at 2-1 morning line. The three-year-old filly possesses class and the Ortiz factor provides significant confidence. Ortiz leads all North American jockeys with exceptional statistics and has narrowed the earnings gap to Flavien Prat.
Tiz Her Money comes from Mark Casse’s barn with Fernando De La Cruz aboard. Casse maintains strong credentials and this three-year-old filly could appreciate the distance.
Foreseen trained by George Arnold II was scratched from a previous race due to trainer change. With Gabriel Saez in the irons, this four-year-old filly brings proven ability to the contest.
Secondary Choices
Disco Rules represents Riley Mott with Luan Machado riding. The three-year-old filly could benefit from the distance and Machado’s tactical skills.
Love Her Lots trained by Genaro Garcia has Vincent Cheminaud aboard. The six-year-old mare brings experience and closing ability.
Selections
Win: Golden Sunshine
Place: Foreseen
Show: Tiz Her Money
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
7:25 PM Eastern
One and one-sixteenth miles on Tapeta. Purse $100,000. Two-year-old fillies.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance for juvenile fillies should produce moderate early pace. Beach Ballad and Mother Green show early tactical ability. The distance will test stamina and the pace scenario could favor fillies with closing kicks.
Key Contenders
Beach Ballad draws strong support from the Michael Maker barn with Flavien Prat riding at 5-2 morning line. Maker’s expertise with maidens combined with Prat’s brilliance creates a formidable combination. The filly was previously on the also-eligible list, suggesting connections specifically targeted this spot.
Academic Freedom represents Riley Mott with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. The Mott-Ortiz combination produces exceptional results and this two-year-old filly could be sitting on a big effort.
Petronella comes from Brendan Walsh’s barn with Luan Machado riding. Walsh ranks among Turfway’s leading trainers with an 18% win rate and 59% in-the-money percentage.
Secondary Choices
Temple Goddess represents Jimmy Corrigan with Fernando De La Cruz aboard. The filly shows breeding for the distance and could factor at a price.
Tikihut trained by Jack Sisterson draws Adam Beschizza. Beschizza has recorded multiple five-win cards at the current meet and demonstrates exceptional form.
Selections
Win: Beach Ballad
Place: Academic Freedom
Show: Petronella
Race 5 – Allowance
Post Time
7:55 PM Eastern
One mile on Tapeta. Purse $103,000. Three-year-olds and upward.
Pace Analysis
The race should develop honest pace with several runners showing tactical speed. Big to Do and Friar Newton possess early foot. The pace setup favors horses with closing ability positioned off the tempo, particularly those who can sustain momentum through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Siesta Key represents the elite Brad Cox barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding at 6-1. This three-year-old colt possesses significant class and the Cox-Ortiz combination produces outstanding results. Cox won three of the last six Breeders’ Cup Distaff races and maintains exceptional statistics.
Goes the Clown comes from Michael Maker’s barn with Flavien Prat aboard at 3-1. The Maker-Prat combination has produced a 40% win rate. This four-year-old gelding brings proven synthetic form.
Urban Planner trained by Eoin Harty draws Luan Machado. The three-year-old gelding could benefit from the route distance and Machado’s tactical prowess.
Secondary Choices
Stroke of Midnight represents James Baker with Gabriel Saez riding. The six-year-old gelding was previously on the also-eligible list and shows closing ability.
Welaka trained by Kelsey Danner draws Adam Beschizza. Danner has enjoyed tremendous success during the current meet, sitting atop the trainer standings.
Selections
Win: Siesta Key
Place: Goes the Clown
Show: Urban Planner
Race 6 – My Charmer Stakes
Post Time
8:25 PM Eastern
One mile on Tapeta. Purse $250,000. Fillies and mares three years old and upward.
Pace Analysis
The first stakes race should develop moderate pace with Crosley and possibly Trial showing early inclination. Literate and Caitlinhergrtness prefer stalking trips, suggesting the pace won’t be excessive. The scenario should set up well for fillies with tactical speed who can position off the leaders.
Key Contenders
Caitlinhergrtness draws as the 7-5 morning line favorite for trainer Kevin Attard with Flavien Prat aboard. The four-year-old filly won the 2024 King’s Plate and has dominated at Woodbine. However, form from Woodbine’s synthetic surface doesn’t always translate directly to Turfway.
Literate represents Brad Cox with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding at 7-2. The five-year-old mare brings proven class and the Cox-Ortiz combination inspires tremendous confidence. Cox maintains a 35% win rate at the meet.
Landed trained by Wesley Ward draws Walter Rodriguez at 5-1. Ward’s operation excels with strategic placement and this four-year-old filly possesses tactical speed.
Secondary Choices
She’s Lookin Lucky comes from Matt Shirer’s barn with Luan Machado aboard at 8-1. The five-year-old mare was sold for $375,000 at the Keeneland November sale and remains with Shirer, who clearly pointed to this spot. She brings tactical speed and could offer value.
Vina Arana trained by Jack Sisterson has Adam Beschizza riding. The four-year-old filly could benefit from Beschizza’s hot hand at the meet.
Selections
Win: Literate
Place: Caitlinhergrtness
Show: She’s Lookin Lucky
Race 7 – Holiday Inaugural Stakes
Post Time
8:55 PM Eastern
Six furlongs on Tapeta. Purse $250,000. Fillies and mares three years old and upward.
Pace Analysis
The sprint stakes should develop honest early pace with Ms. Tart and Lithe Spirit showing tactical speed. Uphill Dance also possesses early foot. The pace scenario should set up well for stalkers and closers positioned just off the leaders.
Key Contenders
Pondering represents Brendan Walsh with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding. The three-year-old filly by Godolphin won the Grade 2 Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine in her last start. Walsh believes six to seven furlongs represents her ideal distance and she has competed successfully at all five Kentucky tracks. The filly shares lineage with Santin, winner of multiple Grade 1 races.
Ellen Jay comes from Brad Cox’s barn with Flavien Prat aboard. This four-year-old filly finished second in the tougher Grade 2 Presque Isle Masters Stakes with a career-best 108 Equibase Speed Figure. The Cox-Prat combination has produced a 47% win rate. Her ninth-place finish last time on dirt should be disregarded as she returns to synthetic.
Civetta trained by Brendan Walsh draws Luan Machado at longer odds. The three-year-old filly by Godolphin makes her synthetic debut but brings a 107 figure from turf racing.
Secondary Choices
Ms. Tart represents John Ennis with Adam Beschizza riding. The four-year-old filly has five wins in eleven races this year including a Satin N Lace Stakes on synthetic with a 101 figure.
Nice as Pie trained by Kelsey Danner has Gabriel Saez aboard. The four-year-old filly has five wins at Turfway Park in twenty career starts and clearly loves the track.
Selections
Win: Ellen Jay
Place: Pondering
Show: Civetta
Race 8 – Prairie Bayou Stakes
Post Time
9:25 PM Eastern
One mile on Tapeta. Purse $250,000. Three-year-olds and upward.
Pace Analysis
The mile stakes should develop honest pace with Horsepower, Theismann, and Quatrocento showing early inclination. This pace setup strongly favors horses with tactical speed positioned in the second tier who can make sustained runs in the stretch.
Key Contenders
Dresden Row represents trainer Lorne Richards with Ryan Munger riding at 4-1 morning line. This four-year-old colt competed successfully at Woodbine throughout 2025 and connections clearly targeted this spot. The pace scenario sets up perfectly for his stalking style as he should find an ideal trip off the speed.
Encino comes from Brad Cox’s barn with Flavien Prat aboard. The four-year-old colt represents another Godolphin runner by Cox, who has three entries in Saturday’s stakes. The Cox-Prat combination produces outstanding results and this colt possesses significant class.
Cameo Performance trained by Brendan Walsh draws Irad Ortiz Jr.. Walsh has three horses entered in two of Saturday’s stakes and his operation has demonstrated consistent excellence.
Secondary Choices
Chiron represents Richard Estvanko with Gabriel Saez riding. The six-year-old gelding brings experience and closing ability to the contest.
Otago trained by Kelsey Danner has Adam Beschizza aboard. The five-year-old horse makes his synthetic debut after training at Turfway Park for the past two years.
Selections
Win: Dresden Row
Place: Encino
Show: Cameo Performance
Race 9 – Holiday Cheer Stakes
Post Time
9:55 PM Eastern
Six furlongs on Tapeta. Purse $250,000. Three-year-olds and upward.
Pace Analysis
The sprint stakes for males should develop legitimate early pace with Coming in Hot, Howard Wolowitz, and possibly Run Carson showing early speed. The pace scenario creates opportunities for both speed horses and closers with tactical positioning.
Key Contenders
Howard Wolowitz represents Jose D’Angelo with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding. This four-year-old colt won this race last year as a three-year-old and finished only three lengths behind in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Grade 1. The D’Angelo-Ortiz combination produces a 60% win rate, and three-year-olds showing precocity against older runners deserve respect. The colt won the Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson at Kentucky Downs before his ninth in the Breeders’ Cup.
Out On Bail comes from Michael Maker’s barn with Flavien Prat aboard. Maker’s dominance at Turfway combined with Prat’s brilliance creates a formidable combination. The three-year-old colt possesses tactical speed and class.
Run Carson trained by Kelsey Danner draws Adam Beschizza. Danner’s stable sits atop the trainer standings and will scratch if an allowance race occurs. The four-year-old colt finished second in last year’s Holiday Cheer and knows the track.
Secondary Choices
Arrest Me Red represents Wesley Ward with Luan Machado riding. The seven-year-old gelding brings experience and tactical speed to the contest.
Coming in Hot trained by John Ennis has Edgar Morales aboard. The three-year-old colt shows early speed that could establish the tempo.
Selections
Win: Howard Wolowitz
Place: Out On Bail
Show: Run Carson
Race 10 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
10:25 PM Eastern
One and one-sixteenth miles on Tapeta. Purse $100,000. Two-year-old colts and geldings.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance for juvenile males should produce moderate early fractions. Thailand and possibly Flash the Magic show tactical speed to establish position. The marathon trip will test stamina and favor colts bred for the distance.
Key Contenders
Thailand represents Wesley Ward with Flavien Prat riding. Ward’s operation excels with strategic placement and this two-year-old colt returns to the races after a layoff.
Empire West comes from Brad Cox’s barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. The two-year-old colt was previously on the also-eligible list, suggesting Cox targeted this spot. The Cox-Ortiz combination inspires tremendous confidence.
Maginnesontap trained by Brendan Walsh draws Luan Machado. Walsh ranks among Turfway’s leading trainers and this two-year-old colt could benefit from the extended distance.
Secondary Choices
Helpful Howie represents Matt Shirer with Adam Beschizza riding at 15-1 morning line. The two-year-old colt by Midshipman is bred to be a quality horse and Shirer also trains She’s Lookin Lucky, a recommended play earlier on the card. The colt underwhelmed in two sprint starts on dirt before an uncomfortable voyage over turf last month. The longer synthetic trip could unlock improvement.
Refined Design comes from Kenneth McPeek’s barn with Julien Leparoux aboard. McPeek’s Hall of Fame operation excels with juveniles and Leparoux provides elite riding.
Selections
Win: Empire West
Place: Thailand
Show: Maginnesontap
Jockey Notes and Insights
Irad Ortiz Jr. invades Turfway Park for the Synthetic Championships with mounts in multiple stakes races. Ortiz ranks among North America’s leading jockeys in 2025 with 334 wins from 1,554 starts and earnings exceeding $39 million, good for a 21% win rate and 54% in-the-money percentage. He closed the earnings gap to Flavien Prat with a dominant fifteen-win week in November. Ortiz excels in stakes company and has won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023.
Flavien Prat makes the trip to Turfway with multiple stakes mounts including high-profile assignments for Brad Cox and Michael Maker. Prat leads all North American jockeys in earnings for 2025. The Cox-Prat combination has produced a 47% win rate, while the Maker-Prat pairing achieves 40%.
Luan Machado dominates the Turfway Park jockey colony with five career riding titles including back-to-back championships. Machado finished the recent winter/spring meet with 51 wins from 277 starts and more than $2.5 million in purse earnings. He excels on the synthetic surface and won the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks aboard Final Gambit. Machado has multiple live mounts throughout Saturday’s card and deserves strong consideration.
Adam Beschizza has recorded multiple five-win cards at the current meet and demonstrates exceptional form. His hot hand makes him dangerous on any mount, particularly for trainers Kelsey Danner and John Ennis who utilize him frequently.
Gabriel Saez brings proven ability to several mounts throughout the card. His tactical skills on synthetic surfaces and experience in stakes company provide advantages.
Walter Rodriguez finished the recent meet with strong statistics including four wins on a single card. His consistency and tactical awareness make him a threat in any race.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brad Cox invades Turfway Park with multiple stakes runners including high-profile entries with Irad Ortiz Jr. and Flavien Prat. Cox maintains a 35% win rate at Turfway and ranks among North America’s leading trainers with exceptional career statistics. He won three of the last six Breeders’ Cup Distaff races and excels with strategic placement. The Cox-Ortiz combination produces outstanding results, while Cox-Prat achieves 47%.
Michael Maker secured his record-extending 24th leading trainer title at Turfway Park’s recent meet with exceptional statistics. Maker dominated with 19 victories from 94 starts. Based in Louisville, he has been the leading trainer at Keeneland, Churchill Downs, and Turfway Park. Maker excels with maidens, claiming horses, and stakes runners. His three Breeders’ Cup victories include Hansen in the 2011 Juvenile, Furthest Land in the 2009 Dirt Mile, and Fire at Will in the 2020 Juvenile Turf at 30-1.
Brendan Walsh ranks among Turfway’s elite trainers with 128 wins from 720 starts in 2025, good for an 18% win rate and 47% in-the-money percentage. Walsh has three horses entered in two of Saturday’s stakes and his stable demonstrates consistent excellence. He believes the Synthetic Championships create additional opportunities for quality horses.
Kelsey Danner finished runner-up in the trainer standings at the recent meet with 17 wins from 83 starts. Danner moved her operation from Florida to focus on Kentucky racing and has demonstrated expertise with developing horses. Her barn currently leads the trainer standings and she emphasizes that the Synthetic Championships create additional opportunities for turf horses after Churchill Downs closes.
John Ennis finished the recent meet with 15 wins and has compiled a sharp 23% record saddling experienced juveniles at Turfway Park since 2022. Ennis has two entries in Saturday’s opening maiden race and deserves respect with juvenile runners.
Wesley Ward brings quality runners to Turfway and his operation excels with strategic placement. Ward’s juveniles deserve attention, particularly those making debuts or returning from layoffs.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Synthetic Championships present exceptional wagering opportunities with full fields, competitive racing, and elite connections throughout the card. The Pick 5 sequence covering the four stakes races and the closing maiden offers tremendous value potential.
Horizontal wagers like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas should produce generous payouts given the competitive nature of most races and full fields. The stakes races feature multiple viable contenders with legitimate winning chances at attractive odds.
For the early Pick 3 covering Races 1-3, consider using Hogie the Player as a single or tight key in Race 1, spreading in Race 2 with Believe in Magic, Cadenza, and Back Ring Buzz, and using Golden Sunshine and Foreseen in Race 3. This provides solid coverage while managing costs.
The stakes Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 offers the best value opportunity of the card. Consider these sequences:
Race 6 My Charmer: Literate, Caitlinhergrtness, She’s Lookin Lucky
Race 7 Holiday Inaugural: Ellen Jay, Pondering, Civetta, Nice as Pie
Race 8 Prairie Bayou: Dresden Row, Encino, Cameo Performance
Race 9 Holiday Cheer: Howard Wolowitz, Out On Bail, Run Carson
This four-race sequence provides coverage of the top contenders while including value horses that could produce generous payouts. Dresden Row in Race 8 at 4-1 morning line offers the best value play of the stakes sequence.
For vertical wagers, focus on races with clear pace scenarios favoring specific running styles. Race 5 sets up well for closers, making Siesta Key at 6-1 an attractive win bet. Race 8 strongly favors stalkers positioned off the pace, making Dresden Row at 4-1 the best bet of the evening.
Howard Wolowitz in Race 9 represents a quality horse returning to a track where he won this race last year. Despite the competitive field, his class and the D’Angelo-Ortiz combination make him a legitimate win contender.
The closing maiden in Race 10 features Empire West from the Cox-Ortiz combination who likely targeted this spot by placing the colt on the also-eligible list. Helpful Howie at 15-1 offers longshot value as a Matt Shirer runner with breeding for the distance.
Rolling exotic wagers through races featuring the Cox-Ortiz and Maker-Prat combinations provides foundation value throughout the card. These elite partnerships produce exceptional results and anchor multi-race sequences effectively.
Consider win bets on Dresden Row in Race 8 as the best value play of the stakes sequence, along with exacta and trifecta boxes involving the top three contenders. The pace scenario sets up perfectly for his stalking style.
For bettors focused on single-race wagering, the Holiday Inaugural Stakes in Race 7 presents the most competitive and bettable race on the card with multiple viable contenders at attractive odds. Ellen Jay and Pondering offer legitimate winning chances with elite jockey connections.
The synthetic surface at Turfway Park rewards horses with sustained momentum rather than explosive early speed, making pace analysis critical throughout the card. Focus on horses positioned to benefit from pace pressure and those with proven synthetic form.
