The Sir Howard Stakes, regarded as the official start of the preparation races for the annual three-year-old Classic season, will take place as the fourth race on Saturday, March 15.
This race is specifically for three-year-old colts and geldings racing over six furlongs.
A total of seven contenders are entered for the 2025 Sir Howard, with The Quick Galloper’s analysis presented below in post-position order.
1 - STRONG MIND is a bay colt (March 24) by Casual Trick out of Charming Beauty, trained by Patrick Lynch and ridden by Dick Cardenas. He struggled against more seasoned rivals in his last race but performed well in the one-mile Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 26, 2024. Known for his front-running style, Strong Mind faces a challenging task against these competitors. The six-furlong distance appears suitable for him, potentially giving him an outsider’s chance of winning the Sir Howard. Note that Strong Mind races with the tongue tie on.
2 - PRINCE ROY is a bay colt (March 22) by Here Comes Ben out of Princess Shine, under the training of Fitzroy Glispie, with Reyan Lewis in the saddle. He convincingly won his maiden over 6 ½ furlongs on February 23, taking the lead and pulling away in the final furlong. However, this race represents a tougher challenge for Prince Roy.
3 - MARK MY IDENTITY is a bay colt (March 5) by Bern Identity out of Sweet Like Sugar, trained by Enos Brown with Dane Dawkins riding. He showed strong form when winning on February 9 over seven furlongs. The reduction to six furlongs in the Sir Howard may not favour him, but with expected speed in the race, his chances could improve coming from behind.
4 - EASY MONEY is a chestnut colt (March 29) by Sunshine N Shadow out of Midnight In Paris, trained by Anthony Nunes and ridden by Tevin Foster. He won his debut at 5 furlongs on February 15. Brahma Bull, who finished second to Easy Money, has since triumphed. Easy Money has also displayed improvement during morning exercises.
5 - ANOTHER ONE is a bay colt (March 18) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Chinitagoodaz, trained by Anthony Nunes with Shane Ellis as the jockey. He had an easy victory on debut (February 18) over the five straight course. Following that impressive win, Another One has continued to progress in training. He is certainly a top contender in this race.
6 - SENSATIONAL SOUL is a chestnut colt (March 1) trained by Gary Subratie with Raddesh Roman riding. After two disappointing efforts, he reversed his form with a victory over 6 ½ furlongs on January 26. A solid performance is expected to confirm his upward trajectory.
7 - HONOUR PRINCE is a bay colt (May 19) by Bern Identity out of Awesome Lucy, trained by Robert Pearson with Phillip Parchment aboard. Following a win where he defeated Mark My Identity by 9 ½ lengths, Honour Prince struggled in a subsequent race, starting slowly but finishing fourth while closing in on the leaders. With an extended distance of half a furlong, he is set for a stronger performance provided he addresses the gate issues.
