The Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen Stakes represents far more than just a lucrative late-season prize for two-year-old colts; this demanding 1 1/8-mile endurance test serves as the defining moment for juveniles in the Northeast, offering a crucial proving ground for classic potential. Held for the last time at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, New York, the Remsen Stakes forces young horses to stretch their speed and stamina simultaneously, providing invaluable insight into which contenders possess the genuine pedigree and mental fortitude to succeed over distance in the subsequent year’s Triple Crown series.
The winner receives 10 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby, a significant early boost that immediately propels a colt into the national conversation. Our comprehensive analysis provides all the essential details, from viewing logistics and track conditions to detailed breakdowns of the 2025 Remsen Stakes odds and every horse in the formidable starting gate, ensuring you know what's necessary to bet on Remsen Stakes day confidently.
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We confidently project the 2025 Remsen Stakes will run on the traditional date, the first Saturday in December, placing it firmly on December 6, 2025, at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Remsen typically anchors a stellar weekend card, often running as race 9 or 10, with an expected post time scheduled for approximately 4:15 PM EST.
Fans across the nation can expect full television coverage of the entire Aqueduct Stakes program on major racing networks, which have historically broadcast the entire card from the afternoon post time through the final feature. For international viewers and those seeking the most flexible access, numerous online streaming platforms and off-track betting (OTB) such as BUSR Experience offer high-definition coverage and expert commentary from the paddock to the winner’s circle. Confirming your chosen platform's specific streaming schedule ensures you do not miss a minute of the action, especially in the final minutes leading up to the race, when the Remsen Stakes odds are most volatile.
Early December in New York brings highly variable, often challenging conditions that dramatically affect the Aqueduct main track. Historically, expected weather for the Remsen Stakes usually involves temperatures in the chilling 30°F to 45°F range, accompanied by a stiff, cold wind that can impact horses accustomed to warmer climates. Crucially, precipitation, whether in the form of cold rain, sleet, or mixed snow, remains a distinct possibility, which means bettors must meticulously check the weather forecast right up until post time, as a 'sloppy' or 'muddy' track surface changes the entire dynamic of the race.
Aqueduct’s wide, sweeping turns and lengthy stretch run, combined with the potential for an 'off track,' heavily favor horses with exceptional grit, a confirmed ability to handle the distance, and established success carrying their speed over a deep or compromised surface. Identifying runners with strong performances on non-fast tracks proves absolutely paramount for successful Remsen Stakes betting under these unique winter conditions.
The Remsen Stakes serves as the crown jewel of an intense weekend of racing at Aqueduct, a program designed to showcase potential champions across multiple divisions and provide ample opportunities for sophisticated Remsen Stakes betting. The supporting card traditionally features the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile contest for two-year-old fillies that mirrors the Remsen's distance challenge and offers 10 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points, making it equally important for the fillies' classic trail.
Another key fixture is often the Grade 2 Cigar Mile, a one-mile event for older fillies and mares that provides a high-quality test for established distaff runners. Analyzing these races offers important contextual clues, as trainer and jockey form on the deep Aqueduct winter surface often carries through to the main event. Smart handicappers view the entire racecard as a crucial part of their preparation, leveraging stablemate and rider performances throughout the day to refine their final assessment of the Remsen Stakes odds.
The Remsen Stakes boasts a rich history as a definitive indicator of future classic success, establishing itself as the premier 1 1/8-mile race for two-year-olds in North America outside of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Recent winners include exceptional colts who successfully transitioned their distance aptitude into major three-year-old campaigns, confirming the reliability of the Aqueduct test.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Poster | Flavien Prat | Eoin G. Harty | Godolphin, LLC | 1:50.37 |
| 2023 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing & Breeding, Two Eight Racing & Pine Racing Stables | 1:50.30 |
| 2022 | Dubyuhnell | José Ortiz | Danny Gargan | West Paces Racing & Stonestreet Stables | 1:50.88 |
| 2021 | Mo Donegal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | Donegal Racing | 1:53.61 |
| 2020 | Brooklyn Strong | Joel Rosario | Daniel Velazquez | Mark Schwartz | 1:50.60 |
This race’s long distance, a full furlong longer than many other juvenile stakes, successfully exposes horses masquerading as routers when they lack the true staying power required for the Kentucky Derby’s punishing 1 ¼ miles.
A dominant performance here suggests a colt handles the rigors of distance and the added weight, validating him as a serious contender for the subsequent Triple Crown races. Considering the quality of past Remsen winners provides an essential perspective when examining the current Remsen Stakes odds board, reminding bettors that sustained effort, not just raw speed, ultimately wins the day.
The 2025 edition of the Remsen Stakes presents a competitive and well-matched field of twelve aspiring classic contenders, creating a superb opportunity for discerning horseplayers looking for value in the Remsen Stakes odds.
Pletcher, as expected, dominates the entries with three strong runners, but other barns bring serious threats, including a pair of 5/1 shots and the solid favorite from Chad Brown. Analyzing each contender's pedigree, recent form, and the talent of their respective connections is the key to mastering your Remsen Stakes betting strategy, turning a complex wagering decision into an informed investment.
This colt enters as the clear morning-line favorite for a reason: he represents the formidable Chad Brown-Flavien Prat combination, a partnership with a high success rate nationally. Brown typically brings horses to the Remsen who appreciate the distance and possess a tactical running style, giving Paladin a crucial advantage in a potentially messy, tactical event. His short Remsen Stakes odds reflect his consistency and the confidence of his connections.
Todd Pletcher’s barn sends out a high-quality contender here, pairing him with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Courting likely possesses excellent stamina given his conditioning under Pletcher, who excels at prepping horses for these demanding nine-furlong events. The Pletcher factor alone ensures this colt receives significant attention, keeping his Remsen Stakes odds tight.
Another strong hand played by the Pletcher stable, with the added benefit of the nation’s top jockey, Irad Ortiz, Jr., in the irons. Renegade offers a slightly better price than Courting but carries the same pedigree promise and top-tier training. Ortiz's aggressive riding style works well at Aqueduct, making this colt a prime candidate for a strong mid-race move, which bettors should consider when placing their wagers to bet on Remsen Stakes.
David Gargan and Kendrick Carmouche team up with this runner, positioned right alongside Renegade in the market. Talkin brings a rugged, blue-collar appeal, often possessing the necessary tenacity to handle the sometimes-deep Aqueduct surface. Carmouche’s local knowledge and strength in the saddle make this colt a dangerous threat to the major favorites, providing excellent value for smart Remsen Stakes betting.
Trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr., always commands respect, and with Manny Franco aboard, Igniter presents a compelling mid-range option. Dutrow’s runners often fire immediately in stakes company, suggesting that Igniter arrives prepared to deliver his best performance. At 6/1, he offers an attractive alternative to the Brown and Pletcher favorites and remains a strong candidate in the Remsen Stakes odds.
Trainer Mike Maker and jockey Joel Rosario combine forces with I Did I Did, a colt who likely exhibits versatility, a hallmark of Maker’s barn. Rosario’s ability to patiently handle traffic and unleash a late burst makes this contender highly dangerous if the early pace is quick. His 12/1 price tag suggests significant upside if the race structure favors a closing effort, providing excellent reasons to bet on Remsen Stakes for a solid return.
Balboa carries the high weight of 122 lbs, signifying a stakes win that could provide a psychological edge but presents a minor physical challenge. Trainer B T Russell brings a fresh perspective, and with Ramon Santana, Jr., riding, this colt requires close inspection. His proven ability to carry weight and his competitive Remsen Stakes odds make him a compelling factor in the exotic wagers.
Shug McGaughey’s runners often improve dramatically with distance and maturity, making Day One Starter a potential overlay at 15/1. While his early performances might not scream star power, McGaughey patiently develops his colts for the classics. Jose Alvarado gives a consistent effort, and this long shot deserves consideration for the bottom of the trifecta and superfecta tickets in your Remsen Stakes betting strategy.
This runner also carries 122 lbs, showcasing past stakes success, but potentially stepping into tougher company here. Trainer G Capuano handles his runners well, and C E Lopez, a reliable rider, takes the mount. Like Day One Starter, the 15/1 Remsen Stakes odds offer tempting value for a horse who has already achieved stakes glory.
As Pletcher’s third entry, Grittiness offers the longest price of the powerful trio, suggesting he requires a significant step up in class or a fast pace collapse to win. However, Pletcher rarely enters horses without a chance, and at 20/1, his presence ensures the early speed won’t get too comfortable. This colt is the perfect inclusion for players looking to play against the shorter Remsen Stakes odds of the favorites.
Trainer Ken McPeek excels at bringing longshots to the winner’s circle in major dirt routes, making Chambersville a high-risk, high-reward proposition. His 30/1 Remsen Stakes odds are generous, but McPeek’s history demands that players never fully dismiss his runners, especially in races designed to expose weakness. If the speed falters, Chambersville has the pedigree to surprise the field.
The longest shot on the board presents a challenge, but in a race of this magnitude, extreme longshots occasionally shock the handicapping world. Trainer M K Montoya faces a challenging task against the likes of Pletcher and Brown, but if the race dynamics break his way, he becomes the ultimate price play. Wagering to bet on Remsen Stakes at this price point requires maximum confidence in a pace meltdown scenario.
Evaluating the 2025 Remsen Stakes field necessitates focusing not just on raw speed, but on stamina and consistency over the crucial 1 1/8 miles distance, especially considering the potential for a grueling Aqueduct winter track. Trainer Todd Pletcher's three-pronged attack provides profound depth. Still, the favorite, Paladin, trained by Chad Brown, represents the most likely winner based on overall win rate, jockey selection, and strategic placement for this race. However, the presence of two strong 5/1 shots, Renegade and Talkin, suggests serious value exists if Paladin faces pressure early. Renegade, with Irad Ortiz, Jr., aboard, gives the Pletcher team their best chance, offering a slightly more attractive price than his stablemate Courting.
For value-minded players executing their Remsen Stakes betting strategy, Igniter at 6/1 provides an excellent return-on-investment, benefitting from the sharp conditioning of trainer Dutrow and a ground-saving post position. Day One Starter, at 15/1 for Shug McGaughey, is the most intriguing longshot, as his trainer consistently improves horses at longer distances, and this colt is bred to run all day. We recommend structuring your wagers around the favorites (2, 9) and mixing in the mid-range value (7, 11) for your exotic wagers, always keeping an eye on the fluctuating Remsen Stakes odds right before the gates open. The winner of this race earns credibility, points, and a place among the top three-year-old prospects in the nation.
The 2025 Remsen Stakes offers one of the final opportunities of the calendar year to size up two-year-olds with genuine classic ambitions before the intense flurry of prep races begins in the spring. With a deep field, highly competitive Remsen Stakes odds, and the looming threat of the challenging Aqueduct track conditions, this race guarantees high drama and serious wagering opportunities.
We have laid out the logistics, detailed the track dynamics, and given you a professional assessment of every contender, jockey, and trainer combination on the board. Now that you hold the keys to this comprehensive analysis, you possess the definitive competitive edge. The time to transition from spectator to successful wagerer is now. Lock in your picks and bet on Remsen Stakes for a massive payoff to cap the racing year.
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.
