The $400,000 Raven Run Stakes (G2) is one of Keeneland’s most anticipated fall features, a seven-furlong dirt sprint for three-year-old fillies that blends raw speed with tactical smarts. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the main track will be fast, the crowd will be loud, and bettors will have no shortage of tough decisions to make in this 15-horse showdown.
The field is loaded: from proven graded winners to dangerous newcomers flashing huge speed figures. It’s the kind of race that can turn a small wager into a serious payout, if you find the right balance between class and value.
Here are the three best bets for the 2025 Raven Run Stakes:
When in doubt, start with the horse that has already done it and done it impressively. Ragtime came off a convincing win in the Dogwood Stakes (G3), where she stalked the pace, took over easily, and drew clear under Junior Alvarado. The daughter of Gun Runner has steadily improved throughout the season, and trainer Bill Mott has her thriving at this seven-furlong distance.
She’s fast enough to sit close to the leaders but tactical enough to avoid early speed duels. That versatility is a massive edge at Keeneland, where the short stretch can trap deep closers and burn out front-runners. Her figures are among the best in the field, and her proven consistency makes her an obvious anchor in multi-race wagers.
If she breaks cleanly and avoids traffic, she’s the one they’ll have to catch late. Mott already knows what it takes to win this race, and Ragtime’s recent form suggests she’s peaking at the perfect time.
Verdict: The clear class. Top win pick and must-use in all vertical and horizontal wagers.
Every good race needs a chaos agent, and Om N Joy fits that bill perfectly. She’s already a Grade 3 winner and owns one of the highest class ratings in the field (7.55). Her previous races show grit and resilience, and while the cutback from 1 1/16 miles might concern some, it could actually sharpen her late kick.
Trainer Aggie Ordonez teams up with veteran Kent Desormeaux, who excels with horses that need to be timed perfectly. If the early fractions are quick, and with several confirmed front-runners signed on, they likely will be, Om N Joy can come flying down the lane to blow up the board.
She’s the kind of filly that punishes bettors who overlook her. The form, rating, and price all scream value.
Verdict: Best value play. A legitimate upset candidate worth backing across the board.
After taking on tougher company in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Quietside drops back to a distance that plays perfectly to her strengths. She’s quick, classy, and reunited with Jose L. Ortiz, who knows how to manage her tactical speed. The seven-furlong cutback should allow her to sit just behind the leaders and pounce turning for home.
Her John Ortiz-trained stable has been red-hot this fall, and her 7.72 rating confirms she belongs among the elite. She’s versatile enough to handle different pace scenarios, and with her stamina from routing experience, she could grind down tired speed late.
In a field where many will struggle to sustain their momentum through the final furlong, Quietside’s foundation gives her a distinct advantage.
Verdict: Proven class with tactical upside. Essential inclusion for exactas and trifectas.
The 2025 Raven Run Stakes shapes up as a classic Keeneland sprint: deep field, fast track, and big potential payouts. Ragtime is the rightful favorite, but Om N Joy offers the kind of price you dream about in a Grade 2 race, while Quietside provides a dependable balance of class and value.
A pace meltdown isn’t off the table, and if it happens, expect the late runners to dominate the finish. Whether you lean toward the proven favorite or swing for the fences with a 15-1 longshot, this year’s Raven Run is built for drama and opportunity in equal measure.
Watch the race live through the BUSR Experience on October 18, and lock in your bets early; the seven-furlong dash could be one of the weekend’s most profitable plays.
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.
