Carl Spackler, a fan favorite in the horse racing world, will continue to race for another year, returning as the headliner in the Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes at Keeneland. The 5-year-old horse is coming off a successful 2024 season, with a gate-to-wire triumph in the Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes and a romp in the Fourstardave Handicap.

Trained by Chad Brown, Carl Spackler is making his first start after a five-month vacation, with jockey Flavien Prat taking the mount in place of the injured Tyler Gaffalione. Other contenders in the Maker’s Mark Mile include Trikari, Northern Invader, and Silent Heart, all looking to make an impact in the grade 1 company.

Integration, trained by Shug McGaughey, is another contender in the Maker’s Mark Mile, cutting back to a mile distance for the first time since finishing third in the same race last year. With a competitive field and strong contenders, the race promises to be an exciting event for fans and bettors alike.