The summer racing season at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in sunny Southern California reaches a thrilling crescendo with the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes. This prestigious six-furlong sprint on the dirt track is a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" event, granting the winner an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Sprint later in the year.
For horse racing aficionados and savvy bettors alike, this race offers not only top-tier competition but also significant opportunities to bet on horses. With a substantial $400,000 purse on the line, the 2025 edition promises to be as competitive and captivating as ever.
We'll delve into everything you need to know, from how to catch all the action to a deep dive into the contenders and their Bing Crosby Stakes odds. Get ready to place your wagers and experience the excitement!
The 2025 Bing Crosby Stakes is set to electrify Del Mar on Saturday, July 26, 2025. As one of the cornerstone events of the Del Mar summer meet, it’s strategically placed to attract top-flight sprinters from across the nation. The exact post time for the Bing Crosby Stakes will be determined closer to race day, but it typically runs late in the afternoon or early evening Pacific Time, often as one of the featured races on an 11-race card.
Del Mar in late July typically boasts some of the ideal racing weather in the country. Historical data for July in Del Mar indicates a climate that is generally pleasantly warm, humid, but cool, with a very low chance of rain. Average daily temperatures typically range from a high of 80°F (27°C) to a low of 64°F (18°C). The chance of rain on an average July day is approximately 3%, and if it does rain, the precipitation is typically light. Humidity levels are moderate, averaging around 67%..
This means we can confidently anticipate a fast and firm dirt track for the Bing Crosby Stakes, a crucial factor for sprinters who thrive on solid footing. The coastal breeze can sometimes be a factor. Still, generally, the conditions are perfect for a blistering six-furlong dash, setting the stage for some truly rapid times and exciting finishes.
The Bing Crosby Stakes has a rich history of showcasing some of the best sprinters in North American racing. The race is named in honor of the legendary entertainer Bing Crosby, who was one of the co-founders of the Del Mar Racetrack. The roll call of past winners includes numerous champions and fan favorites who have gone on to achieve further glory, often in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Looking back, The Chosen Vron has been a dominant force in recent years, capturing the Bing Crosby in both 2023 and 2024. This California-bred gelding displayed incredible consistency and versatility, making him a dual champion of this race. Before him, American Theorem took the title in 2022, showcasing a strong late run. In 2021, Dr. Schivel emerged victorious, while Collusion Illusion claimed the prize in 2020. Other notable winners include Ransom the Moon (2017, 2018) and Lord Nelson (2016).
These past champions exemplify the caliber of horse it takes to win the Bing Crosby: a blend of raw speed, tactical prowess, and a will to win. Analyzing the running styles and previous form of these past winners can provide valuable insights for your Bing Crosby Stakes odds analysis.
This year’s edition of the Bing Crosby Stakes has drawn a highly competitive field of nine elite sprinters, each vying for the top prize and that coveted Breeders’ Cup berth. The presence of both established graded stakes winners and promising newcomers ensures a dynamic and unpredictable race.
Let's analyze each contender with their official odds:
Crazy Mason enters the Bing Crosby Stakes off the back of a Graded Stakes win in the G2 Carter Stakes at Aqueduct in April, where he showed grit to win by a neck. His last start, a third in the G3 True North Stakes at Saratoga in the slop, suggests he can handle varied track conditions, though a fast track at Del Mar will likely suit him best.
Trained by Gregory D. Sacco and ridden by Christopher Elliott, this four-year-old colt possesses a decisive turn of foot and could benefit from a hot pace upfront. He’s a dangerous out-of-towner who brings solid East Coast form to the West. The question mark will be how he adapts to the Del Mar surface and the rigors of cross-country shipping, but his recent G2 win indicates he's in peak form.
Dr. Venkman is a five-year-old gelding by Ghostzapper trained by Mark Glatt, with Antonio Fresu in the irons. He comes into this race off a close second to Roll On Big Joe in the Kelly's Landing Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs and was also second in the G3 Triple Bend Stakes before that, beaten by the highly-regarded Nysos.
This suggests he’s right on the cusp of a Grade 1 breakthrough. He’s consistent, often hitting the board in graded company, and his tactical speed makes him a strong contender in a race of this nature. His connections have opted for the shorter Bing Crosby over the San Diego Handicap, which also features Nysos, a shrewd move that gives him a better chance to shine. He’s a popular choice for Bing Crosby Stakes betting given his recent form.
Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan J. Hernandez, Hejazi is a five-year-old horse by Bernardini who makes for an intriguing entry. He returned to action last month after a significant layoff (since January 2024), finishing a close second in a highly rated allowance race won by Mbagnick. While he hasn't yet secured a stakes victory, he has placed in three stakes, including two Grade 1s.
This $3.55 million purchase at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale has always been highly regarded. Baffert’s record in the Bing Crosby is strong, with four previous wins. If Hejazi has truly returned to his promising early form, he could be a significant threat here and offers tempting Bing Crosby Stakes odds for those who believe in his talent.
The youngest horse in the field, Smooth Cruisein, is a three-year-old colt trained by Karen Headley and ridden by Kyle Frey. He was third in the Triple Bend behind Nysos and Dr. Venkman last out, suggesting he has some catching up to do with the top-tier sprinters.
While he’s a developing talent, stepping into Grade 1 company against older, more seasoned horses is a significant jump. He'll need to show considerable improvement to be a factor at this level. He's certainly got potential, but this race might be a touch too ambitious for him at this stage of his career.
World Record, a four-year-old colt by Gun Runner, is the morning line favorite, trained by Rodolphe Brisset with Flavien Prat in the saddle. He was victorious in the G2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga in 2024 and recently finished second in the G3 Aristides Stakes. The fact that top jockey Flavien Prat has shipped in from the East Coast, forgoing an entire day of riding at Saratoga, speaks volumes about the confidence in this horse.
Prat leads all North American jockeys in purse earnings in 2025. This combination of top jockey, proven graded stakes form, and a promising trainer-jockey partnership makes World Record a formidable contender and a deserved favorite. He has the speed figures to compete and the class to win.
Roll On Big Joe, a five-year-old gelding trained by Robert B. Hess, Jr. and ridden by Julien R. Leparoux, has been in excellent form this year. He enters the Bing Crosby off two consecutive wins, including the G3 Kelly's Landing Stakes last month, where he defeated Dr. Venkman. Earlier in the year, he also won the G3 Palos Verdes Stakes, which was run at the same six-furlong distance as the Bing Crosby.
He earned a career-best 121 Equibase Speed Figure in a Churchill Downs allowance race two starts back, demonstrating his peak ability. Leparoux has ridden him in his last two wins and travels west for the ride. Roll On Big Joe is a serious threat, boasting both recent form and familiarity with the distance.
Mbagnick (CHI) is a six-year-old Chilean-bred horse trained by John W. Sadler and ridden by Armando Ayuso. He recently won the allowance race that Hejazi finished second in, showing good form. While he has demonstrated ability, this is a significant step up in class to Grade 1 competition in the U.S.
He'll need to replicate, or even improve upon, his last performance to factor against this caliber of sprinters. His Chilean form is complex to assess directly against these American graded stakes horses, making him a bit of an unknown quantity at this level.
The elder statesman of the field, Spirit of Makena, is a seven-year-old horse by Ghostzapper, trained by George Papaprodromou and ridden by Abel Cedillo. He finished fourth in the Triple Bend Stakes behind Nysos, Dr. Venkman, and Smooth Cruisein, indicating he's a step below the top tier in recent outings.
While he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, his current form suggests he might be up against it in this Grade 1 contest. He will need to find his absolute best form to be competitive.
Another seven-year-old, Lovesick Blues, is a gelding trained by Librado Barocio and ridden by Geovanni Franco. He recently won the Siren Lure Stakes on turf two months ago and now makes the switch back to dirt. While he's shown versatility, transitioning from a turf sprint stakes win to a Grade 1 dirt sprint is a big ask.
His best Equibase Speed Figure on dirt in a similar race is 113, which is competitive, but his recent form has been primarily on the grass. He’s a long shot who would need a career-best performance on a surface that hasn't been his preferred surface lately.
The 2025 Bing Crosby Stakes is shaping up to be a cracker of a race, with a deep field of seasoned sprinters and rising stars. The stage is set for a thrilling contest over six furlongs on Del Mar's fast dirt track, under the glorious California sun. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a newcomer to the exciting world of horse racing, this Grade 1 event offers an unparalleled spectacle and fantastic betting opportunities.
With top jockeys, Hall of Fame trainers, and a significant Breeders' Cup implication, the Bing Crosby Stakes is more than just a race; it's a test of pure speed and class. Review the Bing Crosby Stakes odds carefully, analyze the form, consider the weather, and make your perfect bet, whether it is a straight wager or a super exotic trifecta. This is your chance to be part of the excitement, to feel the rush of the race, and potentially to cash in on some fantastic returns.
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.
