Meet the Contenders: 2023 San Felipe Stakes

Meet the horses running in the 2023 San Felipe S. (G2), plus a pro, con and rating of their potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well among the field.

#1 CHASE THE CHAOS

Chase the Chaos captures the El Camino Real Derby with an exultant Armando Ayuso (Photo by Vassar Photography)

Pro: Never out of the money and earned solid win in El Camino Real Derby.

Con: Well versed on synthetic surface, but questions remain concerning dirt ability.

#2 NATIONAL TREASURE

National Treasure gallop at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Not embarrassed against division’s best at two; remains open to improvement.

Con: Expected more in Sham (G3) with benefit of fast pace.

#3 PRACTICAL MOVE

Practical Move wins the Los Alamitos Futurity (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Pro: Upset Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) when last seen; recent works have been strong.

Con: With bigger prizes down the road, may find himself a bit short off the bench.

#4 BLUEGRASS GO GO

Pro: Has a touch of speed and thus figures to be in the mix early.

Con: Three-start maiden appears overmatched on paper.

#5 GENIUS JIMMY

Pro: Addition of Lasix, blinkers produced intended wake up in turf maiden.

Con: Significant class hike and surface switch lessen appeal.

#6 CRYPTO RIDE

Pro: Stakes-placed at two, albeit versus California-breds.

Con: Numerous losses against lesser make him fitting longshot.

#7 HEJAZI

Pro: $3.55 million juvenile a work in progress, but plenty fast.

Con: Gets stronger class test this time and price will be uninspiring.

#8 GEAUX ROCKET RIDE

Pro: Posted mildly surprising win first out, earning 97 Brisnet Speed rating.

Con: Lacks foundation that other contenders possess.

#9 FORT BRAGG

Pro: Crossed the wire first in both starts over this track; remains with upside.

Con: A magnet for trouble in several trips last season.

#10 SKINNER

Pro: Turned in a breakout performance to graduate by more than three lengths last month.

Con: Outran in both prior stakes attempts and might bounce facing tougher.

#11 MR FISK

Pro: Close second to promising Reincarnate before breaking his maiden in January.

Con: Figures don’t quite stack up yet to some of the other contenders.