Champion trainer Safie Joseph Jr., aiming for a fourth consecutive Rampart Stakes win, will enter three of the nine mares and fillies competing in Friday’s $125,000 One Turn Mile Stakes. His contenders—Dazzling Move, Claret Verrett, and Luvmorgan—represent Joseph & Miller Racing LLC in this notable race.
Dazzling Move, a 4-year-old daughter of Not This Time, has raced seven times since joining Joseph’s stable and returns after nearly a three-month break. She won Gulfstream’s Royal Delta Stakes over 1 1/16 miles in February, following a fourth-place finish at Rampart last year, and also claimed victory in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps at Saratoga. She recently placed second in the Schwie (G2) and finished third in the Delaware Handicap (G3). Joseph believes the one-turn mile suits her best, even though she’s regaining fitness. Hall of Famer John Velasquez will ride her for the first time in this event, where she is the morning favorite at 2-1, just behind Brendan Walsh’s One Magic Filly, rated at 5-1.
Claret Verrett, also a 4-year-old Not This Time filly, dominated the Green Handicap by nearly 20 lengths in her first One Turn Mile start. After a strong second-place in the Chicago (G2) at Churchill Downs, she enters Rampart coming off less impressive efforts in the Ballerina (G1) and Princess Rooney (G3). Joseph acknowledges her recent performances haven’t been flashy but believes the one-turn mile is her strength. Micah Husband, who rode her in the Chicago, will again be aboard. She is ranked third on the morning line at 9-2.
Luvmorgan, a 3-year-old daughter of Union Rags, is less experienced but qualified for Rampart by breaking a 1 1/16-mile maiden record at Gulfstream in May. After finishing fourth in the Azalea Stakes and taking a break following a poor run in the Charles Town Oaks (G2), she’s set to participate under jockey Edgardo Zayas. Joseph notes limited options for mile-long races made this the right opportunity for her.
Others in the field include John Gallegos’ One Magic filly, who recently placed second in the Chiruchi (G3) at Churchill Downs and won a claiming race at Keeneland with Brendan Walsh aboard. Bell Tower Thoroughbreds and Medallion Racing’s Grand Job, second to Dazzling Move last season, is returning after an eight-month hiatus aiming to improve performance with rider Junior Alvarado. Trainer Bill Mott is preparing this 4-year-old daughter of Justify, rated second on the morning line at 7-2.
Necessity, trained by Riley Mott, recently won at Churchill Downs and is entered with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Sterling Silver, a New York-bred winner of the Iroquois stakes, will also compete under trainer Anthony Margotta with Hall of Famer Javier Castellano riding. The field is completed by JC Racing stable’s Gullfaxi and Holy Crest Farm’s Riding Pretty.
Fan Take: This lineup highlights the deep talent and rising stars shaping the future of fillies and mares racing, drawing fans eager to witness top-tier competition. The Rampart Stakes not only offers thrilling racing but also showcases jockey-trainer partnerships critical to the sport’s evolving dynamics.
