What are the Southwest Stakes?
The Southwest Stakes is an annual Grade III horse race held at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is run over 1 1/16 miles and serves as a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, making it a significant event for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.
The race has a rich history dating back to 1968, and it continues to be a key race on the road to the Triple Crown. The Southwest Stakes is popular among horse racing fans, particularly those involved in online horse betting, due to its competitive field and Derby implications.
When do the Southwest Stakes take place in 2025?
The Southwest Stakes will take place on January 25th at Oaklawn Park, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed. As a prominent early-season race for 3-year-olds, it draws attention from bettors and enthusiasts alike.
Those interested in online horse betting often look to this race to scout potential Kentucky Derby contenders.
Southwest Stakes Winners
Some of the most iconic horses in recent racing history have won the Southwest Stakes. Older winners include Smarty Jones in 2004, who went on to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Lawyer Ron (2006) was another standout, with a dominant win before securing a successful racing career.
Demons Begone (1987) was a fan favorite during the 80s. These older champions helped solidify the race's reputation as a critical stepping stone for elite 3-year-old horses. Recent notable winners include Essential Quality (2021) and Newgrange (2022), but the race’s long history is filled with horses who left lasting legacies
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Emmanuel Esquivel | Juan Sanchez | J. Patrick Lee Racing | 1:45.04 |
| 2023 | Arabian Knight | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert | Zedan Racing Stables. | 1:43.50 |
| 2022 | Newgrange | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert | SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable & Siena Farm | 1:45.83 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | Godolphin Racing | 1:45.48 |
| 2020 | Silver Prospector | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steven M. Asmussen | Ed & Susie Orr | 1:43.01 |
Over the years, trainers such as Bob Baffert, Steven Asmussen, and Todd Pletcher have had notable success in the Southwest Stakes. Bob Baffert, in particular, has been a dominant force with multiple wins, including with horses like Newgrange (2022) and Secret Circle (2012). Their involvement in the race draws significant attention in the online horse betting world, as bettors look to these well-known trainers for guidance
