The LNJ Foxwoods’ Scottish contender will be back at Churchill Downs next Sunday to defend his title in the $250,000 Cherokee Mile, the highlight race concluding the 2025 fall racing season. Trained by Bill Mott, Scotland claimed last year’s victory by two and a quarter lengths with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard. Following that race, the Good Magic gelding was sidelined for over seven months but made a strong comeback with a second-place finish behind Buque Mdanno, a top sprinter, in the Forego (G1) at Saratoga on August 23rd. Scotland then placed third in the Vosburgh (G3) and 49er (G3) at Belmont and Aqueduct respectively, with Alvarado set to return as his rider for the Cherokee Mile.
The leading challenger appears to be Will Take It, winner of the Hanshin Stakes (L), representing Willis Horton Racing and Whisper Hill Farm. Trained by Dallas Stewart, Will Take It was rested during the summer after his Hanshin victory at Churchill Downs’ Spring Meeting. He returned on September 27th in the Ack Ack (G3), finishing sixth after a rough start. Stewart’s team then took him to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) on November 1, where he finished seventh, just 1.75 lengths behind the winner Nysos. Will Take It has a record of five wins in 19 starts, accumulating $556,754 in earnings. Brian Hernandez Jr. will ride him from post six in the upcoming race.
Other notable entrants in the Cherokee Mile include Juddmonte’s multiple Grade 3 winner Dragon Guard, BBN Racing’s 2023 Clark (G2) winner Trademark, and Moonlight, a major stakes winner for Town and Country Racing.
Here is the full Cherokee Mile lineup with jockeys and trainers:
– Trackmate (Luis Saez, Rusty Arnold)
– Implementation (Tyler Gaffalione, Mike Maker)
– Moonlight (Jose Ortiz, Chris Bullock)
– Trademark (Fernando de la Cruz, Vicky Oliver)
– This Is Asker (Jamie Torres, Jordan Blair)
– Will Take It (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart)
– Secret Chat (Mario Gutierrez, Bobby Barnett)
– Scotland (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott)
– Multitasking (Axel Concepcion, Eoin Harty)
– Banjo Chris (Luann Machado, Glenn Wismer)
– Dragon Guard (Aire Ortiz Jr., Brad Cox)
This report was originally published by The Paulick Report on November 23, 2025, and appeared in the News section.
Fan Take: This race is a thrilling showcase of seasoned talent and rising stars, making it a must-watch for horse racing enthusiasts eager to see who will rise to the occasion. The outcome could shape key rivalries and elevate the sport’s excitement as the season closes, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the field.
