Horse Race Analysis: Underrated Contenders to Watch in the 2025 Eddie Read Stakes Competition
The 2025 edition of the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack promises an exciting spectacle, with a prize of $250,000 up for grabs. Among the contenders, Formidable Man has emerged as the standout performer, extending his perfect record at Del Mar to 5-for-5 and confirming his status as the favourite [2].
Trained by Michael McCarthy, the 4-year-old colt was bred in Kentucky by Town & Country Horse Farms. His recent win in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita in March 2023 marked a significant milestone in his career [2]. Formidable Man's owners, William and Suzanne Warren, will be hoping for another triumphant performance as he takes on the Eddie Read Stakes once again.
Balnikhov, a 6-year-old gelding, has not won for over a year but has shown consistent form at Del Mar, hitting the board six of eight times. His third-place finish in the Eddie Read Stakes last year is a testament to his resilience [1]. Bred in Ireland and trained by Phil D'Amato, Balnikhov has consistently demonstrated the ability to finish strong against quality company. Despite his winless streak, he remains a contender for minor placings, especially given his ability to rally under various pace scenarios [1].
Another underdog worth considering is Gold Phoenix. The 7-year-old gelding, bred in Ireland by Mighty Universe Ltd., thrives on Southern California turf and has a reliable late kick. Gold Phoenix won the Eddie Read Stakes in 2022 and the Del Mar Handicap twice (2022 and 2024). His return as a 6-year-old in 2024 saw him win the Charles Whittingham Stakes and capture the Del Mar Handicap for the third year in a row [4]. Gold Phoenix's tactical flexibility and proven form make him an underdog capable of upsetting more hyped contenders in the Eddie Read Stakes [5].
Trainer Phil D’Amato, with multiple entries including Gold Phoenix, had a strong presence in the race, with his horses finishing prominently [4]. The Eddie Read Stakes is set to be a thrilling race, with Formidable Man as the favourite, Gold Phoenix as a main threat, and Balnikhov as a potential exotics contender.
Formidable Man, the 4-year-old colt, will be aiming to continue his winning streak at Del Mar Racetrack in the upcoming Eddie Read Stakes, given his perfect record at the venue and the prize money of $250,000. However, Gold Phoenix, the 7-year-old gelding known for his reliable late kick, could potentially upset the favorite, considering his prior victories in the Eddie Read Stakes and the Del Mar Handicap.
Balnikhov, a 6-year-old gelding, could also contend for minor placings, despite his winless streak, due to his consistent performances at Del Mar and ability to rally against quality company.
