Saranac Stakes Analysis at Saratoga (7-3-26)

The Saranac Stakes goes as Race 10 at Saratoga on Friday, July 3, with a large field of three-year-olds set to travel 1 1/16 miles on the turf for a $150,000 purse. Scheduled post time is 6:15 p.m. ET.

Pace Scenario

One of the first things that stands out is the projected pace.

Siyouincanada (#1) appears to be the lone true front-runner in the field. After wiring the field in his career debut from the rail, he draws the inside again and looks capable of controlling the tempo if no one challenges him early.

Behind him, Glavin (#7) projects to enjoy an ideal stalking trip. Most of the remaining entrants prefer to settle in mid-pack or farther back, making this a race that could favor horses positioned near the front.

Main Contenders

#1 Siyouincanada

This colt couldn’t have asked for a better debut, wiring the field from the rail at generous odds.

He finds himself in a similar situation here, drawing the inside once again with very little confirmed early speed signed on.

The class hike is substantial, and this is only his second lifetime start, but if he’s allowed to dictate comfortable fractions, he’ll be difficult to reel in.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Schuylerville Stakes Video Analysis (7-3-26)

Video analysis of the $200,000 Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga (7-3-26). 

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Wild Applause Stakes Video Analysis (7-3-26)

Video analysis of the $150,000 Wild Applause Stakes at Saratoga (7-3-26). 

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Hanshin Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-28-26)

The Grade 3 Hanshin Stakes goes as Race 10 on Sunday at Churchill Downs and features a competitive field of ten older horses competing over one mile around one turn on the main track. Scheduled for 5:28 p.m. ET on June 28, the $300,000 race brings together multiple horses with proven form at Churchill Downs.

After reviewing the field and the Today’s Racing Digest speed figures, here are my top contenders and wagering outlook.

Race Overview

Several runners enter this race in strong current form, but pace and trip could ultimately determine the outcome. There appears to be enough early speed to set up horses with tactical positioning, while a few late closers will be hoping for a fast pace.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Moonlight (12-1)

Moonlight enters off an encouraging runner-up finish in the Knicks Go Stakes after rebounding from a pair of disappointing route efforts earlier this season. He has proven to be especially effective at Churchill Downs, posting three wins and two runner-up finishes in six local starts.

His best weapon is a powerful late kick, and from the rail he should save ground before making one run through the stretch. At double-digit odds, he offers plenty of value for exotic wagers.

#2 Neoquos (10-1)

Neoquos has finished in the top three in each of his last three starts, including solid performances in graded stakes company. His tactical speed allows him to either press the pace or settle just behind the leaders, making him a logical contender if he continues his recent consistency.

#3 Owen Almighty (5-1)

Owen Almighty exits a runner-up finish in optional claiming company but now steps back into graded stakes competition. While capable of improving, he’ll need another forward move to threaten the top contenders.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Maxfield Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-28-26)

The Grade 3 Maxfield Stakes tops Sunday’s card at Churchill Downs, serving as Race 9 with a $250,000 purse for three-year-olds sprinting seven furlongs on the main track. Scheduled for a 4:56 p.m. ET post, the race features a balanced field of promising sophomores.

Using the speed and pace figures from Today’s Racing Digest, here’s a closer look at the field and the top contenders.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Igniter (12-1)

Igniter enters in improving form after posting two victories and a third-place finish in his last three starts, including a stakes win in the Jimmy Winkfield. His final time ratings have steadily progressed, suggesting he’s moving in the right direction.

The biggest questions are whether he’ll duplicate that form stretching back to seven furlongs against stronger competition and whether the rail draw will compromise his preferred running style.

#2 Spun D M C (20-1)

Spun D M C owns a solid record with two wins from four starts and exits an optional claiming victory at Oaklawn. However, his career-best effort came while racing with Lasix, which will not be permitted in this stakes event.

He’ll also need to prove he can transfer his six-furlong form to seven furlongs against significantly tougher company.

#3 Oscar’s Hope (10-1)

Oscar’s Hope has quietly developed into a consistent runner, finishing in the top three in eight of nine career starts while winning four races. He’s already proven effective at Churchill Downs and has shown he can handle seven furlongs.

Although his recent speed figures leave him a notch below the top contenders, his consistency makes him a viable candidate for the trifecta or superfecta.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Stephen Foster Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-27-26)

The Grade 1 Stephen Foster Stakes headlines Saturday’s card at Churchill Downs with a $2 million purse for older horses going 1 1/8 miles on the main track. Originally scheduled as a seven-horse field, the race was reduced to five runners following the scratches of Forged Steel and Navajo Warrior, setting up an intriguing tactical battle among four accomplished Grade 1 winners.

Race Overview

The Stephen Foster will be run as Race 11 with a scheduled post time of 6:14 p.m. ET. The compact field should create an interesting pace scenario, with Willy D’s and Magnitude expected to show early speed while White Abarrio looks for another ground-saving trip. That could leave Sovereignty in an ideal stalking position, with Baeza making one late run from the back.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

1- Willy D’s (20-1)

Willy D’s enters off a victory in a non-graded stakes at Oaklawn, earning a solid speed figure while battling on the lead. However, his recent graded stakes performances have consistently fallen short of the numbers required to compete with this group. While he should be involved early from the rail, stepping into Grade 1 company represents a significant class test.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Fleur de Lis Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-27-26)

The Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Stakes headlines the undercard on Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs, offering a $500,000 purse for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the main track. A compact field of five has assembled, but despite the small size, this race features plenty of quality and an intriguing pace scenario.

While the morning-line favorites have strong credentials, the race could set up perfectly for a stalking runner capable of capitalizing if the leaders soften each other up.

Pace Scenario

The early pace figures to be controlled by Splendora and Shred the Gnar.

Splendora breaks from the rail after an impressive victory in the Grade 2 Shawnee Stakes, where she stalked before taking command and defeating Immersive by more than two lengths. Drawing the inside post, Flavien Prat will likely have no choice but to send her early and establish position.

Shred the Gnar, unbeaten in three starts at Churchill Downs, exits a victory in the Grade 1 La Troienne Stakes. From the outside post, Luis Saez should be able to sit just outside Splendora and apply pressure throughout the opening stages.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Picks (6-27-26)

Video analysis of the $175,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel Park (6-27-26). 

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Japan Racing Association Turf Cup Picks (6-27-26)

Video analysis of the $125,000 Japan Racing Association Turf Cup at Laurel Park (6-27-26). 

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Bango Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-27-26)

The Grade 3 Bango Stakes brings together a solid group of older sprinters at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and several runners enter in sharp form. While proven stakes performers such as Cornucopian and Dr. Venkman command respect, the improving Built appears poised to continue his strong transition into a sprint specialist.

Race Overview

The pace should be honest from the outset with Cornucopian and Harrodsburg expected to show early speed. Built, breaking from the outside post, figures to enjoy a stalking trip under Irad Ortiz Jr., while Dr. Venkman and Extra Anejo should settle just behind the leaders.

Main Contenders

Cornucopian (#2)

Bob Baffert’s Cornucopian remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in the field. He has won three of four starts this season, including Grade 3 victories in the San Carlos Stakes and the Aristides at Churchill Downs on May 30.

His fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on May 2 can be forgiven against tougher competition. He owns some of the strongest recent speed figures in the race and should secure a forward position throughout beneath Flavien Prat.

If he reproduces either of his graded-stakes-winning efforts from this season, he will be a major factor from start to finish.

Extra Anejo (#5)

Extra Anejo could be the value horse underneath in vertical wagers.

The Steve Asmussen trainee made his first start in almost nine months on May 21 and should move forward in his second start of the year. He owns prior graded stakes success and has proven capable of handling the Churchill Downs surface.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Stephen Foster Stakes 2026 Video Preview

Grade 1, $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes video preview. 

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Bertrando Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-20-26)

The $100,000 Bertrando Stakes headlines Saturday card at Los Alamitos Race Course, going as Race 9 for California-bred horses aged three and up. The one-mile dirt contest has attracted a compact field of six.

After reviewing the pace scenario, speed figures, and track profile, Coach Cronin emerges as the horse to beat.

Pace Scenario Favors Speed

One of the most important handicapping angles in this race is the projected pace setup.

Coach Cronin appears to be the lone true front-runner in the field, a significant advantage considering one mile races at Los Alamitos have historically favored horses racing on or near the lead. Front-runners and pressers account for the vast majority of winners at this distance, making early position especially valuable.

With little apparent pressure up front, Coach Cronin could find himself controlling the tempo from the start.

Favorite: Coach Cronin

Coach Cronin enters the Bertrando Stakes in outstanding form for trainer Bob Hess Jr. The six-year-old gelding has won five of his last seven starts and arrives off back-to-back victories at the one-mile distance.

His most recent performance was particularly impressive, as he wired the field while earning one of the strongest speed figures in the race (144 FTR). Prior to that, he scored another front-running victory at Santa Anita, confirming that his current form is no fluke.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Chicago Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-20-26)

The Grade 2 Chicago Stakes headlines the Churchill Downs program on Saturday night, offering a $300,000 purse for fillies and mares going seven furlongs on the main track.

Race Overview

The seven-furlong distance often favors horses that possess both sprint speed and the stamina to finish strongly, and this year’s field includes multiple runners with established credentials at the course and distance.

Leading the way is morning-line favorite Eclatant, who enters the race in career-best form after capturing the Grade 1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland (161 FTR). However, she will face stiff competition from Grade 1 winner Usha and a handful of value plays capable of upsetting the favorite.

The Favorite: Eclatant

Eclatant has developed into one of the top female sprinters in training and appears to be improving with age. The Brad Cox trainee won the Grade 3 Forward Gal Stakes last season and made only three starts as a three-year-old. Since returning this year, she has been perfect in two starts, culminating in an impressive Grade 1 Madison victory at the same seven-furlong distance she will face in the Chicago Stakes.

What makes Eclatant particularly dangerous is her upward trajectory. Her speed figures have improved significantly this season, and she possesses the tactical speed necessary to secure a favorable trip from the start. If she reproduces either of her last two performances, she will be extremely difficult to deny.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Ohio Derby 2026 Analysis (6-20-26)

The Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown on June 20 has a purse of $500,000 and a field of ten sophomores are set to travel 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

Pace Scenario Favors the Favorites

One of the most important handicapping factors in this year’s Ohio Derby is the projected pace.

Unlike many graded stakes events, this race lacks a confirmed front-runner. Several horses possess tactical speed, but there does not appear to be a true pace burner signed on. That could allow horses with early positioning and proven class to control the race from the outset.

Both Chip Honcho and Desert Gate fit that profile perfectly.

Desert Gate has shown improved early speed since adding blinkers earlier this season, while Chip Honcho has consistently raced near the pace against stronger competition.

With neither horse likely to face significant early pressure, both should secure ideal trips.

Desert Gate: The Deserving Favorite

Desert Gate enters as the morning-line favorite and has done little wrong throughout his career.

The Bob Baffert trainee owns four victories from seven starts and has posted some of the strongest speed figures in the field. His recent wins in the Hot Springs Stakes and Texas Derby were visually impressive, and his ratings consistently rank at or near the top in every major category.

The son of Desert Gate projects to be prominently placed from the start under Flavien Prat, a combination that makes him dangerous throughout.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Lady Jacqueline Stakes Analysis (6-20-26)

Ohio Derby Day at Thistledown features a strong supporting stakes lineup, including the $250,000 Lady Jacqueline Stakes for fillies and mares. Scheduled as Race 11 with a post time of 5:35 p.m. ET, the race will be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the main track and has attracted a competitive field of nine runners.

Using speed figures, pace projections, class ratings, and recent form, a few runners stand out as the most likely winners.

Pace and Race Shape

The pace scenario appears favorable for horses with tactical speed. Historical trends at Thistledown show that runners breaking from inside posts with early speed often perform well at this distance.

Standoutsensation appears to have the ideal setup. Breaking from the rail, she possesses enough speed to secure favorable early position and could find herself controlling the race from the outset under Jose Ortiz.

Other runners expected to be involved early include Nerazurri, Low Country Magic, and Peignoir, creating what should be an honest but manageable pace.

Main Contenders

Standoutsensation (#1)

Standoutsensation brings a consistent record at the distance, posting two wins and two runner-up finishes in six starts at 1 1/8 miles.

Her third-place finish in a stakes race at Oaklawn Park last time out was a solid effort, and the rail draw should allow Jose Ortiz to utilize her early speed effectively. If the track favors front-runners, she could prove very difficult to catch.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Affirmed Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-15-26)

The Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita Park returns to the racing calendar on Monday after originally being scheduled for June 11. A power outage interrupted racing midway through the card last week, forcing officials to cancel the remaining races, including the Affirmed Stakes. With Santa Anita adding an extra day of racing, the race has been brought back with a slightly altered field.

One notable addition is Litmus Test, who was not entered in the original version of the race. His presence adds a new dimension to the handicapping puzzle and gives bettors a proven graded stakes performer to consider.

Court of Appeal Faces Class Challenge

Court of Appeal enters as a 30-1 outsider for trainer Vladimir Cerin. A two-time winner from six starts, the gelding scored in a maiden claiming race at Churchill Downs and later picked up a sprint victory at Turf Paradise.

While the return to dirt should help, he faces a substantial class hike against much tougher competition. His pedigree suggests he should handle the distance, but this appears to be a demanding assignment.

Litmus Test Gets Class Relief

Litmus Test was originally entered in the Delaware Derby before trainer Bob Baffert redirected him to this race after the schedule change. The 7-5 morning-line favorite owns the strongest resume in the field.

The colt captured the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity and finished third in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes earlier this year. While his efforts in the Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby were disappointing, the drop from Grade 1 company into a listed stakes event represents significant class relief.

A forwardly placed trip from post two could put him in an ideal position throughout.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

San Juan Capistrano Stakes Analysis (6-14-26)

Santa Anita’s closing-weekend feature is Sunday’s Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes, a $100,000 turf marathon contested at the demanding distance of 1 3/4 miles. The race attracted a field of ten older horses.

The race serves as a true test of stamina, and with several entrants stepping into unfamiliar territory distance-wise, handicappers will need to determine which horses can maintain their finishing kick over the extended journey.

Pace Picture

One of the more interesting aspects of this race is the apparent lack of early speed.

Goldeneye appears to be the most likely pacesetter, with Poor Connection potentially sitting close from the outside post. Beyond those two, most of the field does its best running from off the pace.

That could result in a tactical affair where positioning becomes just as important as numbers.

The Favorite: Gold Phoenix Still the Horse to Beat

It’s impossible to discuss this race without starting with Gold Phoenix.

The veteran eight-year-old has built an impressive resume, earning more than $2.3 million while competing almost exclusively in graded stakes company. His recent seventh-place finish in the Grade 1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs looks disappointing on paper, but a troubled trip contributed to that result.

Before that effort, Gold Phoenix captured the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita over 1 1/2 miles, proving once again that long-distance turf racing remains his specialty.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Delaware Derby 2026 Video Picks (6-13-26)

Delaware Derby video picks at Delaware Park (6-13-26). 

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Pegasus Stakes 2026 Video Picks (6-13-26)

Pegasus Stakes video picks at Monmouth Park (6-13-26). 

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Possibly Perfect Stakes Analysis (6-12-26)

The featured race at Santa Anita on Friday, June 12, is the $100,000 Possibly Perfect Stakes, a turf event for fillies and mares contested at 1¼ miles.

The race has drawn a competitive field of nine runners and several entrants appear capable of making an impact. Let’s meet the field.

#1 Watchtower

Watchtower enters the race at 6-1 on the morning line for trainer Richard Baltas. The biggest challenge with this mare is consistency. She has shown flashes of quality, including a close third-place finish in a Grade 3 earlier this year, but her recent efforts have been uneven. If she brings her best race, she can compete, but handicappers are left guessing which version will show up.

#2 Resolve

Resolve looks like a major contender in this field. Trained by Leonard Powell, she enters off a determined victory at 1⅛ miles, rallying late to get up by a head. Even more encouraging is her prior effort in a Grade 3 at Santa Anita, where she narrowly missed while racing at this same 1¼-mile distance.

The added ground appears to suit her perfectly. Her recent form is strong, and she has already proven she can handle both the class level and the distance. With another forward effort, Resolve has every chance to add a stakes victory to her resume.

#3 Innovative

Phil D’Amato’s Innovative has the talent to compete here but enters with questions after finishing eighth in each of her last two Grade 3 appearances. Earlier in her career, she showed versatility by winning at distances ranging from 6½ furlongs to 1⅛ miles. If she can recapture that earlier form, she becomes dangerous, but recent performances leave some uncertainty.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Desert Stormer + Affirmed Stakes Analysis (6-11-26)

This Thursday, June 11th, marks the closing week of the Hollywood meet at Santa Anita Park, and I’m excited to break down both stakes races on the card. The past performance data I’m referencing comes from the popular Complete Digest.

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Desert Stormer Stakes – Race 2

Distance: 6 furlongs, Main Track
Purse: $100,000
Field: 5

Post	Horse	Morning Line	Notes
1	Antifona	8-1	Turf-to-dirt switch
2	Nooni	Favorite	Bob Baffert, long layoff
3	Revera	5-1	Returns to dirt
4	Magnificat	7-5	Early pressing speed, in form
5	Syntax	12-1	Turns back in distance

Key Speed and Performance Metrics:

• Fire Numbers (speed throughout the race): Antifona 90, Nooni 88, Magnificat 87
• CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating): Antifona 134, Magnificat 130, Nooni 126
• Fast Fig: Magnificat 124, Antifona 123
• Final Time Rating: Magnificat 135, Antifona 134, Nooni 132

Analysis:

• Antifona switches from turf to dirt. She posted strong performances on turf, including a 134 final time rating in a March G3 race, but her ability to transfer form to dirt remains the question.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Beyond The Triple Crown Series Video (6-7-26)

In this horse racing video, I share upcoming plans for Golden Tempo, Commandment, Renegade, Chief Wallabee, Further Ado, and Englishman.

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Matt Winn Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (6-7-26)

Matt Winn Stakes video picks at Churchill Downs (6-7-26). 

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Belmont Stakes 2026 Video Recap

Belmont Stakes final order of finish: 1st - Golden Tempo, 2nd - Commandment, 3rd - Renegade, 4th - Chief Wallabee, 5th - Emerging Market, 6th - Growth Equity, 7th - Vitruvian Man, 8th - Ottinho, 9th - Powershift

The Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 6, 2026. 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Belmont Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-6-26)

The final jewel of the Triple Crown arrives at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 6, as a talented field of nine three-year-olds competes in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes. With a $2 million purse on the line and a distance of 1¼ miles to conquer, this year’s Belmont shapes up as a fascinating tactical battle where pace and trip could determine the winner.

A Different Race Than the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby featured a fast pace that completely collapsed, setting the stage for deep closers. That scenario allowed Golden Tempo to rally from last place and score a upset at 23-1 odds.

The Belmont Stakes appears much different.

There is no clear speed demon in this field, and the pace is expected to be moderate. Horses with tactical speed—those capable of sitting just behind the leaders—could have a significant advantage. Deep closers may find themselves with too much ground to make up in the stretch.

Main Contenders

Chief Wallabee enters the Belmont after finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby, a performance that may have been better than it appears on paper.

The Bill Mott trainee encountered some traffic issues and never enjoyed a completely clean trip at Churchill Downs. Despite those challenges, he remained competitive throughout and finished respectably against the best three-year-olds in the country.

Several factors make him particularly appealing in the Belmont:

• Tactical speed that should allow him to secure ideal positioning early.
• A favorable inside draw in post three.
• Continued improvement since adding blinkers.
• Strong connections with trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado.
• A focused training schedule at Saratoga specifically targeting this race.

Mott and Alvarado successfully executed a similar Belmont campaign last year, and the team appears to have followed a proven blueprint once again.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Saratoga Race Course Stakes Analysis (6-5-26)

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continues at Saratoga on Friday with a pair of graded stakes races that feature talented fillies and mares on both turf and dirt. After reviewing the Complete Digest speed figures, pace projections, and recent form, here are my thoughts on the Grade 2 Wonder Again Stakes and the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Stakes.

Race 9: Grade 2 Wonder Again Stakes

Purse: $300,000
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Inner Turf)
Field: Three-Year-Old Fillies

The Wonder Again Stakes drew a competitive field of nine, although main-track-only entrant Pashmina is unlikely to run since this race is expected to remain on the turf.

Main Contenders

The Digest numbers point clearly toward Fitz Right as the horse to beat. She owns the top projected Fire Number (101), the highest Comprehensive Performance Rating (153), and shares the best Fast Fig and final-time ratings among the turf runners.

More importantly, her form pattern is exactly what handicappers like to see. Her final-time ratings have improved in every career start, progressing from 93 to 95, then 104, 110, and finally a career-best 132 in her most recent stakes victory at Aqueduct.

Fitz Right enters this race undefeated in two starts this season, winning those races by a combined margin of more than eight lengths. The daughter of Charlatan appears to be developing at the right time, and Flavien Prat returns to ride for trainer Chad Brown.

Coach Missoula could be dangerous if she secures an uncontested lead. She enters off back-to-back victories, including a stakes win at Laurel Park, and has never finished worse than third in a turf route.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Saratoga Race Course Stakes Analysis (6-4-26)

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continues at Saratoga on Thursday with a pair of graded turf stakes drawing competitive fields. Using the past performances and numbers from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve analyzed each event and identified top contenders and live longshots.

Race 8: Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes

$250,000 | Fillies & Mares, 4YO & Up | 5½ Furlongs (Turf)

The Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes features a deep field of turf sprinters, with several runners possessing early speed. Horses such as Twirling Queen, Gratefully, Roja, and In Our Time are all expected to be involved in the pace, setting up what could be a contested early tempo.

Top Contenders: Shoot It True & In Our Time

Shoot It True enters the race in excellent form after finishing second in both of her starts this season. Despite receiving limited pace assistance in those races, she closed well and earned competitive speed figures.

One of the strongest angles in her favor is her affinity for Saratoga. She is undefeated in two starts over the course, winning both races impressively last summer by more than three lengths each. Her recent final time ratings of 141 and 143, combined with Fire numbers of 94 and 96, indicate she remains capable of another strong performance.

With multiple speed horses entered, the race shape could favor her late-running style. The addition of jockey Juan Hernandez is an interesting development. He is 2-for-2 with Wesley Ward recently.

In Our Time exits a Grade 2 victory in the Giant’s Causeway and owns the strongest recent speed figures in the field. Her 149 final-time rating last out is the highest among the major contenders, and her tactical speed should allow her to secure an ideal stalking trip behind the leaders.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Belmont Stakes 2026 Video Update (6-1-26)

Belmont Stakes 2026 video preview. Belmont Stakes field: 1 - Vitruvian Man (30-1), 2 - Powershift (12-1), 3 - Chief Wallabee (3-1), 4 - Renegade (2-1), 5 - Ottinho (20-1), 6 - Growth Equity (12-1), 7 - Commandment (6-1), 8 - Emerging Market (6-1), 9 - Golden Tempo (9-2).

The Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 6, 2026. 

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Saratoga Race Course Stakes Analysis (6-3-26)

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course, and the card features three competitive New York-bred stakes races. Using the past performances and proprietary ratings from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve analyzed each event and identified my top selections.

The races covered include the Kingston Stakes (Race 4), Mike Lee Stakes (Race 8), and Commentator Stakes (Race 9). Here is a closer look at each race and the horses that stand out.

Race 4: Kingston Stakes

$200,000 | New York-breds | 1 1/16 Miles (Inner Turf)

The Kingston Stakes brings together a mix of proven New York-bred turf performers, highlighted by multiple graded stakes winner Spirit of St. Louis and the improving George Briggs.

Key Contenders

George Briggs
Trainer Miguel Clement appears to have this horse moving in the right direction. In his first start for the barn, George Briggs stalked the pace and scored a convincing optional claiming victory at Aqueduct. His Today’s Racing Digest CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) figures of 127, 138, and 137 in his last three starts are the strongest recent numbers in the field.

George Briggs possesses an ideal turf-running style. He can stay within striking range of the pace while conserving energy before unleashing a strong finishing kick. That combination often proves successful in Saratoga turf races.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest