Horse Racing Odds: 2025 Gazelle Stakes Preview

Share News

Horse Racing Odds and News

Kentucky Oaks Hopes on the Line in Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct

While much of the focus in April is on Kentucky Derby Prep Races, the $200,000 Gazelle Stakes (G3) offers critical points toward the Kentucky Oaks and could shape the field for the fillies’ edition of racing’s biggest weekend. 

Although none of the eight runners in Saturday’s test are among the current top 14 on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard, that will change as the race at Aqueduct Racetrack awards points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. That means a top-two finish could be enough to lock in a trip to Churchill Downs on May 2.

This race might not directly influence the horse racing odds. Still, it certainly factors into the broader picture of Kentucky Derby betting, especially for those looking ahead to Oaks-Derby doubles. Post time for the 1 1/8-mile dirt event is set for 4:34 p.m. ET.

Early On Leads the Charge

Early On appears to be in the strongest position heading into the Gazelle of the eight fillies entered. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., the New York-bred daughter of Union Rags already holds 25 Kentucky Oaks points after finishing second in the Virginia Oaks on March 15. That result puts her 19th on the leaderboard, and a third-place or better finish should push her safely into the top 14.

Ballerina d’Oro Looks to Build Momentum

Chad Brown’s Ballerina d’Oro sits with 16.25 points, and she brings experience over the Aqueduct surface and Saturday’s distance. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro ran second in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes last year and finished third in the Grade 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream in her 3-year-old debut. She’s a strong closer and figures to appreciate the return to two turns.

Vanilla Sundae Making a Big Leap

Trainer Todd Pletcher enters Vanilla Sundae off a runaway 15 3/4-length win in a one-mile maiden race on February 27 at Aqueduct. It was her third career start and first on a fast track, and she’s shown rapid improvement. The daughter of Gun Runner now tries two turns for the first time, and her connections are optimistic she’ll handle the added distance.

Liam in the Dust Tries to Rebound

Trainer Rodolphe Brisset hopes Liam in the Dust can bounce back from a disappointing eighth-place finish in the March 1 Busher Stakes, which was her seasonal debut. The daughter of Liam’s Map previously finished third in the Demoiselle and has eight Kentucky Oaks points. Brisset noted that both of her poor efforts came from inside draws, so he’s encouraged by her outside post this time.

The Rest of the Field

Late Nite Call, trained by Niall Saville, breaks from the rail under Tyler Conner. She’s yet to earn points but enters off a confidence-building maiden win. 

Deloraine, trained by Eoin Harty and ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, adds intrigue to the mix as she steps into stakes company. Diriyah, representing Richard E. Dutrow Jr., and Pure Beauty, trained by Claude R. McGaughey III, round out the field as longshots looking to upset the apple cart.

Saturday’s Gazelle is a must-watch for those tracking Kentucky Derby Prep Races or building Oaks-Derby combo plays. Be sure to visit our racebook to get in on the action and place your wagers.