At Pimlico Race Course on May 16, 2025, a thrilling showdown unfolded during the 55th running of the Pimlico Special, a prestigious 1 3/16-mile race for horses aged three and older. The day’s highlight saw Awesome Aaron, a seasoned six-year-old gelding who was not originally among the event’s nominees and had been claimed for a modest $40,000 less than a year ago, put on a stunning performance. Facing stiff competition, he engaged in a fierce battle in the final stretch with Phileas Fogg, ultimately securing a narrow victory by three-quarters of a length.
This event took place on a day packed with excitement and high stakes, featuring six stakes races with over a million dollars in total purses, including three graded stakes. The Pimlico Special preceded the well-attended 101st running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a celebrated race for three-year-old fillies. The win marked a first Pimlico Special victory for jockey John Velazquez, a Hall of Famer, as well as for trainer Norm Casse, who carries on a family legacy in horse training.
During the race, Awesome Aaron was skillfully guided to a tactical position, settling comfortably in fourth place early on. The early pace was set by the 2024 Lexington Stakes winner, Encino, who led through the opening quarters. Phileas Fogg, fresh off a strong win at Aqueduct, maintained pressure near the front, while other contenders, including a 45-1 outsider, battled for position. As the field rounded the final turn, Phileas Fogg surged ahead of Encino, but Awesome Aaron, advancing along the outside, matched the challenge and pushed past his rival to claim the win.
Among the other notable finishers were Star of Wonder, who took third place but was several lengths behind the leaders, and a field that included several experienced runners such as San Siro, Cataleya Strike, and Time for Trouble. The favorite in the betting, Pyrenees, was withdrawn shortly before the race due to trainer concerns following a recent workout.
Awesome Aaron’s victory was especially impressive considering his journey. Having started his career at a lower level and only recently stepped up to graded company, this marked his fourth stakes race and his second against elite competition. His recent form included a decisive optional claiming win at Oaklawn Park, showing steady improvement that culminated in this breakthrough performance.
The Pimlico Special itself has a rich history dating back to 1937 when it was created as an invitational event by Alfred Vanderbilt. Its past winners include legendary Triple Crown champions and horses of the year, and the race has been the site of some of the sport’s most memorable moments, including the famous match-up between War Admiral and Seabiscuit.
After the race, trainer Norm Casse expressed his satisfaction with Awesome Aaron’s progress, noting that adjustments such as removing blinkers helped the horse settle better and finish stronger. He also credited co-owner Justin Nicholson for identifying the horse as a valuable claim. Looking ahead, the trainer mentioned the possibility of targeting the prestigious Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs as the next step for Awesome Aaron.
Jockey John Velazquez praised the horse’s effort and described his race strategy, emphasizing patience and allowing Awesome Aaron to find his rhythm early on. Velazquez also noted the physical challenge posed by Phileas Fogg in the stretch but was confident in his mount’s ability to respond and finish ahead.
Phileas Fogg’s trainer and jockey also commented on their runner’s performance. While the trainer had some concerns about the track conditions and the horse’s lead changes during the race, he acknowledged the strong effort. The jockey felt they had an ideal trip and that the horse gave everything possible despite coming up short.
Other participants shared their perspectives, highlighting the brisk early pace and their horses’ efforts to maintain position. The competitive nature of the race was evident, with several riders reporting good trips and solid performances despite not winning.
The Pimlico Special’s 2025 edition will be remembered as a showcase of determination and rising talent, with Awesome Aaron’s victory underscoring the excitement and unpredictability that make horse racing a beloved sport.
