Breaking down the 2025 Little Brown Jug
by John Berry
The $600,000 Little Brown Jug has drawn 14 entrants with two divisions of seven going to the gate in search of the crown in one of harness racing’s most iconic events.
This Mane Attraction delves into the race with my personal morning line and comments on all of the entrants.
Many think it will be a walkover of sorts, however, nothing can be taken for granted in this business, as we all know.
Great luck to all the entrants and their connections for an exciting and safe day of racing.
By the way, their morning line “magic number” is 122.
FIRST DIVISION — PURSE: $50,000
1. No Tresspassing (g) (Sweet Lou—Flirtswell—Well Said) (40-1)
Driver: Scott Zeron, Trainer: Deborah Daguet
Drew the coveted rail but has been facing much, much easier company. Won in 1:49.4 at Pocono few weeks ago, but DQed. Would need a miracle to win here but will be prominent and close up for a bit.
2. Papi’s Rocket (c) (Papi Rob Hanover—Real Tough—Real Desire) (40-1)
Driver: Yannick Gingras, Trainer: Ron Burke
Big 2-year-old year but has failed to deliver a win this year in a dozen starts. Capable of sub-1:50 miles but usually drafting along and non-threatening. Nice horse, but not quite up to the task against the two bearcats here.
3. Ayeaye Captain Deo (c) (Captaintreacherous—Oceania—Rock N Roll Heaven) (25-1)
Driver: James MacDonald, Trainer: Garry Werner, Jr.
Looks to be coming into solid form lately. Huge brush final seven sixteenths at Woodbine Mohawk Park in the Simcoe up in Canada and bursting with pace in final stages of the race before that, but against easier with a wicked pace early.
4. Extra Suds (c) (Lather Up—The Bomb Dottie—Western Terror) (30-1)
Driver: Dexter Dunn, Trainer: Virgil Morgan, Jr.
Tuned up at The Red Mile winning in a lifetime best 1:48.3 against much easier after getting a dream journey. Stuck with outside posts last two times on a half-miler but wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he was sent winging when gate swings away to get a good spot early.
Still, a very tough assignment.
5. Louprint (c) (Sweet Lou—Rockin Racer—Rocking Image) (1-10)
Driver: Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., Trainer: Ron Burke
After a great 2-year-old year, Louprint has bounced back from recent adversity to prove that he may be next to invincible! Undefeated in his seven starts this year, his season was interrupted for about two and half months with a surgical procedure but he returned without a hitch with ultra-game performances. The fastest and freshest.
6. Prince Hal Hanover (c) (Captaintreacherous—Percy Bluechip—Shadow Play) (6-1)
Driver: Todd McCarthy, Trainer: Dr. Ian Moore
Gave Louprint all he could handle in brave effort in PASS final with a :27 finale in a 1:48.4 mile a neck short. Consistent sort has been 1-2 in five of 13 starts and is top money earner in field. Has experience on half-miler in Milstein where opening fractions were as torrid as on half-miler, or even larger. Will be flying off the wings as well and likely to find garden spot to chase “Lou.” Was very gutsy in the Adios, too.
7. Sterling Choice (c) (Betterthancheddar—Platinum Choice—Admirals Galley) (30-1)
Driver: Jason Bartlett, Trainer: Blake MacIntosh
Obviously has some of daddy’s blood. Been up north of the border where he’s been consistently decent last few starts. Problem is obvious, outside post. Has gate speed but will be able to use it here. Doubtful. Looks like a tough journey.
SECOND DIVISION — PURSE: $50,000
1. D A Love Boat (g) (Captain Crunch—Addicted To Love—Camluck) (6-1)
Driver: Yannick Gingras, Trainer: Ron Burke
Quick mark at The Red Mile last year, but that was last year. Tried the Simcoe last up north of the border (by Ayeaye Captain Deo who is in first division) and had a tough trip early but still managed a nickel in the purse money. Last win was against easier. This is the easier division and rail helps so he’ll be forwardly placed throughout.
2. Thirsty Thursday (g) (Huntsville—Tequila Monday—American Ideal) (4-1)
Driver: Tyler Buter, Trainer: Hunter Oakes
Been up in New York competing in Sire Stakes and has experience on half-milers. Driver handles him well and seems versatile. Will get away in good order but probably looking for live cover flow and quick pace. Gotta be close with 380-foot stretch.
3. Lou’s Starr (c) (Sweet Lou—Amantha Starr—Bettor’s Delight) (12-1)
Driver: Scott Warnick, Trainer: Fern Paquet, Jr.
Tried wiring field at The Meadows in last but nailed in final stages. Couldn’t handle Louprint and Prince Hal Hanover time before. Looks to be in a bit too deep on both sides and might be hung out to dry here.
4. Odds On Outlier (g) (Sweet Lou—Odds On Orlando—Captain Treacherous) (5-2)
Driver: Dexter Dunn, Trainer: Melanie Wrenn
Has matured beautifully this semester and recent encounters have been solid, including a 1:48.2 win at Hoosier on the way up and 1:49.2 win in PASS consolation in last. Peaking at the right time. On the engine here.
5. Captain Optimistic (c) (Captain Treacherous—Cinamony—Art Official) (2-1)
Driver: Scott Zeron, Trainer: Nancy Takter
Solid performer put in a wonderful performance in finishing second in NJ Classic. Has 1:48.1 record on larger track so question remains if he can handle tighter turns. Guess is he’ll be on the engine going for $500K.
6. Snack Attack (g) (Stay Hungry—Bridge To Tomorrow—Bettors Delight) (6-1)
Driver: Jason Bartlett, Trainer: Joe Bongiorno
Good form coming in but post may hinder his preponderance for early speed. Won last in 1:50 over Pocono five-eighths, last half :53.3. Tough to make the lead from this post though, but form is very sharp.
7. Wild Bill Wyatt (g) (Sweet Lou—Perplexed—Somebeachsomewhere) (20-1)
Driver: Dan Noble, Trainer: Walter Haynes, Jr.
Consistent sort likes to leave a bit find cozy spot, which is tough to do from outside post here, especially against other Jug competitors. Looks like a little bit tough going here.
Wishing everyone great luck in this 2025 edition of the LITTLE BROWN JUG.
MAY THE HORSE BE WITH YOU!
