As Saturday approaches, anticipation builds for the 2025 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar. The fast-paced 6-furlong sprint features a competitive lineup of nine sprinters battling for their share of a $400,000 purse. With a mix of explosive early speed and late-closing threats, this year’s edition promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement for bettors and fans alike.
Topping the morning line is World Record at 3-1, a powerful sprinter trained by Rodolphe Brisset and set to be piloted by top jockey Flavien Prat. With an impressive record of 4 wins and 3 third-place finishes in 9 starts, World Record recently captured a Grade 2 victory in the Amsterdam Stakes. His stellar speed rating of 138 and bloodline from Gun Runner make him a leading candidate to dominate the 6-furlong dash. Drawing post position 5, World Record is well-positioned to fire early and stay strong through the wire—an ideal anchor for Exacta and Trifecta plays.
Check 5 reasons why World Record is your best pick for the Bing Crosby Stakes
Hejazi, a $3.55 million investment trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan Hernandez, adds further firepower to the field. While he hasn’t notched a win yet in 2025, he’s posted multiple second-place finishes, including as a juvenile in the Grade 1 American Pharoah and most recently in a six-furlong race at Santa Anita. With elite connections and past performances that suggest untapped potential, Hejazi remains a serious threat to break through in this spot.
One of the most consistent runners in the field, Roll On Big Joe brings momentum after winning the Kelly’s Landing Stakes. Trained by Robert B. Hess Jr. and guided by Julien Leparoux, this six-year-old has seven victories from 18 starts and nearly half a million dollars in earnings. His combination of speed and race experience makes him a genuine challenger to the top picks.
Also in the mix is Dr. Venkman, who enters with a solid resume that includes multiple stakes placings and a top speed rating of 136. With 3 wins and 4 runner-up finishes in his career, he’s proven to be a dependable performer. Slated to break from post 2, Dr. Venkman will aim to settle early before launching his stretch drive—a logical pick to round out Trifecta or Superfecta bets.
Longshots often shake up the Bing Crosby Stakes, and this year’s field includes two intriguing possibilities: Smooth Cruisein and Spirit Of Makena, both listed at 20-1. Smooth Cruisein has displayed a balance of stamina and speed in recent starts, while Spirit Of Makena could surprise with a clean break and favorable trip. Though they face an uphill battle, each horse has enough upside to deliver value in exotic bet structures.
As the betting pools begin to fill and the field finalizes, the odds will likely evolve. World Record is expected to attract heavy support, but Roll On Big Joe and Dr. Venkman present solid alternatives for bettors seeking more value. Whether you're backing the chalk or aiming for a bold upset, this year’s Bing Crosby Stakes has all the ingredients for a thrilling contest.
With World Record as the clear frontrunner, pairing him with consistent contenders like Roll On Big Joe and Dr. Venkman creates a strong base for exacta and trifecta bets. Consider boxing the trio to hedge against positional surprises at the wire.
Post position will influence tactics in this quick sprint. World Record and Roll On Big Joe both benefit from favorable inside positions that support early speed, while Dr. Venkman starting from post 2 will look to secure a mid-pack spot before making his signature closing move. Strategic breakouts from the gate could define the outcome of this high-stakes sprint.
You can catch all the action of the Bing Crosby Stakes live from Del Mar through FOX Sports, including FS1 and FS2, or by streaming on the FOX Sports app. Post time is expected in the late afternoon, so make sure to check your local listings or your preferred betting platform to follow the race in real time and place your final wagers before the gates fly open.
Check a full guide on how to watch the Bing Crosby Stakes
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