The upcoming Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita Park on May 25, 2026, is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with two of trainer Phil D'Amato's horses, Almendares and King of Gosford, looking to give him his sixth win in the prestigious race. The field is a mix of seasoned veterans and a promising young contender, Call Me Cory, making his stakes debut. The race promises to be a fascinating spectacle, with each horse bringing its own unique story and potential to the track.
Almendares, a 6-year-old, is steadily proving himself as a top-tier performer. Since the beginning of the year, he has shown that he can compete against the best, with his big late kick proving effective in recent races. His victory in the American Stakes (G3T) and third-place finishes in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1T) and Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G2T) this year have solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with. D'Amato's confidence in Almendares is evident, as he believes the horse is getting better and better, and his strategy of utilizing Almendares' late kick has proven successful.
King of Gosford, a 5-year-old, is also a formidable contender. After a layoff of 7 1/2 months following the Del Mar Mile (G2T), the horse returned to form, running second in the American Stakes in both 2025 and 2026. D'Amato's decision to give King of Gosford ample time off to heal properly after the Del Mar Mile has paid off, and the horse is now fitter and ready to win. Kazushi Kimura will be in the saddle, aiming to replicate the success of last year's Shoemaker win.
Formidable Man, trained by Michael McCarthy, is another horse to watch. Despite not starting since the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T), where he finished second to Notable Speech, Formidable Man has a strong record at Del Mar, having won the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) and Del Mar Mile back-to-back. Flavien Prat will be in the saddle, aiming to build on their previous success.
The rest of the field is equally intriguing. El Potente, a graded stakes winner at Santa Anita this year, brings a strong resume. Genius Jimmy and Seal Team, both graded stakes winners, are also in the mix, with Genius Jimmy placing second and Seal Team third in the American Stakes. Mi Hermano Ramon, a graded stakes winner, and Twirling Point, winner of the 2024 Jersey Derby, add further depth to the field.
Call Me Cory, the lone 4-year-old, is a promising young contender making his stakes debut. His performance in this race will be a key indicator of his future potential. The race also features a strong supporting cast, with Hector Isaac Berrios on El Potente, Juan J. Hernandez on Genius Jimmy, and Emisael Jaramillo on Mi Hermano Ramon.
The Shoemaker Mile is more than just a race; it's a showcase of the best horses in the sport, each with its own story and potential. As a racing enthusiast, I find it fascinating to see the strategies and tactics employed by trainers like D'Amato, who have a proven track record of success in this race. The Shoemaker Mile is a testament to the skill and dedication of these professionals, and I look forward to seeing how the race unfolds on May 25, 2026.
