The Withers Stakes, a key event on the road to the Kentucky Derby 2025, offers significant qualifying points and showcases promising young talent. This year's race features seven contenders vying for glory over a challenging 1 1/8-mile distance at Aqueduct. Previous winners have gone on to achieve remarkable success in major races, making this event a crucial stepping stone for aspiring Derby hopefuls.
Contenders with Proven Potential
Several horses in this year's field have already demonstrated their potential through impressive performances. Notable among them are Global Steve, Uncle Jim, Mo Quality, and Captain Cook. Each has shown distinct strengths that could propel them to victory. Global Steve arrives with an undefeated record after two dominant wins, while Uncle Jim has displayed remarkable late-race acceleration. Mo Quality has earned valuable Derby points in previous races, and Captain Cook delivered a commanding performance in his last outing. These horses are well-positioned to challenge for top honors.
In more detail, Global Steve hails from Parx Racing, where he secured two decisive victories by wide margins. His trainer, Robert Reid Jr., has a proven track record of success at Aqueduct, adding to the horse's credentials. Meanwhile, Uncle Jim, trained by Brad Cox, has shown versatility in overcoming traffic issues and finishing strongly. Mo Quality, trained by Chris Davis, has built momentum with a maiden win and a second-place finish in the Smarty Jones. Lastly, Captain Cook, now under Rick Dutrow Jr.'s guidance, showed exceptional form in his latest start, winning by a substantial margin on a difficult surface. These factors make these horses strong contenders for the Withers.
A Strategic Race for Omaha Omaha
Among the contenders, Omaha Omaha stands out as the top choice due to his strategic running style and proven adaptability. Trained by Michael Gorham, this horse has excelled in longer distances, particularly on tiring tracks like Aqueduct. His ability to close strongly in the final stretch makes him a formidable competitor. The nine-furlong distance and often slow conditions at Aqueduct favor his late-running tactics, positioning him as a favorite to secure the coveted 20 Derby points.
Omaha Omaha's journey began at Delaware Park, where he broke his maiden in his third start. He then demonstrated his prowess in a two-turn allowance race at Laurel, winning convincingly despite challenging conditions. In the Jerome Stakes, he showcased his resilience by closing from last place to finish second, earning valuable Derby points. His consistent improvement and tactical approach suggest he is primed for another strong performance. The absence of clear front-runners in this year's field further enhances Omaha Omaha's chances, as he can bide his time and make his move when it counts most. With favorable conditions and a proven strategy, Omaha Omaha looks set to be the horse to watch in the Withers Stakes.