| Post | Horse | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Force Red | 8/1 | Leonard Powell | Armando Ayuso |
| 2 | Bran | 9/2 | John Sadler | Umberto Rispoli |
| 3 | Goliat | 7/2 | Richard Mandella | Mike Smith |
| 4 | Daniel's Magic | 30/1 | Eoin Harty | Kyle Frey |
| 5 | Stay Hot | 6/1 | Peter Eurton | Juan Hernandez |
| 6 | Lovesick Blues | 10/1 | Librado Barocio | Geovanni Franco |
| 7 | Motorious | 6/5 | Philip D'Amato | Antonio Fresu |
| 8 | Watsonville | 30/1 | Mark Glatt | Kazushi Kimura |
Santa Anita’s iconic downhill turf course will host a fast and competitive group this Saturday, June 14, for the Grade 3 2025 Daytona Stakes. With eight older sprinters set to go about 6½ furlongs, this edition offers a thrilling blend of seasoned turf stars, rising threats, and potential longshot surprises. For horseplayers looking to capitalize, the Daytona Stakes odds suggest both strong favorites and juicy value picks.
The favorite on the morning line, Motorious, comes in with high expectations. Trained by Philip D’Amato and ridden by Antonio Fresu, he’s already proven he thrives on Santa Anita’s downhill course. His pace, versatility, acceleration, and top-tier connections make him a logical choice for the top spot. A trouble-free trip could see him deliver on the shortest Daytona Stakes odds in the field.
Goliat (Post 3, 7/2)
The Richard Mandella-trained colt, partnered with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, is gaining attention with each start. While he may not carry the same résumé as the favorite, Goliat’s late-closing style and form cycle suggest he could be sitting on a career-best effort.
Bran (Post 2, 9/2)
A solid turf performer under John Sadler’s care, Bran brings experience and tactical positioning to the table. With Umberto Rispoli aboard, expect him to save ground early and strike late, especially with a clean trip along the rail.
Stay Hot (Post 5, 6/1)
One of the best price options in the race, Stay Hot has proven capable of tracking the pace and delivering a strong finish. Trainer Peter Eurton teams up with Juan Hernandez, making this a live mid-priced option for exotic plays.
Lovesick Blues (Post 6, 10/1)
Under the radar but consistent, Lovesick Blues has been hitting the board in competitive races. He’s trained by Librado Barocio and gets a confident ride from Geovanni Franco. He’s not without a chance if the pace breaks down.
Air Force Red (Post 1, 8/1)
Drawing the rail, this front-runner could steal the show if he grabs the lead early and controls the tempo. Trainer Leonard Powell and jockey Armando Ayuso make a strong team for this turf sprint setup.
Daniel’s Magic (30/1) and Watsonville (30/1) may appear overmatched on paper, but both have experience and connections capable of pulling off upsets. Use them in trifectas and superfectas if you're playing for value.
With favorable Daytona Stakes odds and a balanced profile, Goliat offers more value than the heavy favorite and fits the race setup perfectly.
Covers the logical trio, blending chalk and mid-price contenders. Bran could easily outrun his price if he gets racing room.
Improving with each effort and perfectly drawn to stalk the speed, Stay Hot is your best play for underneath tickets.
Post time for the 2025 Daytona Stakes is locked in for 5:08 p.m. ET, and with a full gate of capable turf sprinters, this year’s edition should be fast and wide open. While Motorious will be tough to beat based on reputation and performance, the Daytona Stakes odds highlight horses like Goliat and Bran as viable threats. With an unpredictable course and several running styles in play, this race is ideal for both straight bets and exotic wagers.
Santa Anita’s downhill turf always adds a twist—expect the unexpected and don’t be afraid to get creative at the betting window.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
