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