Del Mar Pick 6 Carryover Analysis (8-30-26)

The Del Mar Pick Six sequence on Sunday, August 30 features a two-day carryover of more than $192,000, making the sequence especially attractive for players looking to take a shot at a potentially lucrative payoff.

Below is my race-by-race analysis of the Pick Six, including my top contenders, horses I would use underneath, and my preferred selections for keeping the ticket manageable.

The past-performance information used for this analysis is from Sunday’s Complete Digest.

Race 5 — Maiden Special Weight

California-bred 2-year-old fillies | 6 furlongs | 11 horses

The opening leg of the Pick Six is a competitive maiden special weight event.

According to the Today’s Racing Digest speed and pace forecasts, No. 3 Sauced Up has the best projected numbers across the board, including the Fire Number, CPR, pace, final time, closing fraction and Fast Fig. However, she has already made four starts and has hit the board in each one. I’m not convinced there’s much improvement left to come, particularly with the switch back to the main track.

My top four contenders are:

• No. 1 Not So Merry Mary
• No. 6 Take Revenge
• No. 8 Her Strut
• No. 9 Sono Veloce

For a larger Pick Six ticket, all four are worth considering. However, I’m going to narrow the race down to two horses.

Top Choice: No. 8 Her Strut

Her Strut has made two career starts. She encountered trouble in her debut but rallied to finish third, then raced wide and finished fourth in her second start.

I’m willing to give her another chance if she can get a cleaner trip.

Antonio Fresu takes over for trainer George Papaprodromou, and the jockey and trainer have been successful together. If Her Strut gets a better trip this time, I think she has a legitimate chance to graduate.

Second Choice: No. 1 Not So Merry Mary

Not So Merry Mary makes her second career start after debuting in a five-furlong turf race. She didn’t hit the board but took some money and gained valuable experience.

The move to the main track could produce improvement for trainer Tim Yakteen, who has been winning at a solid rate with dirt sprint starters. Kazushi Kimura returns to ride.

Pick Six: 1, 8

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Race 6 — $32,000 Claiming

5 furlongs on turf | 11 horses

The second leg is a five-furlong turf sprint.

The recent track profile is interesting. Over the last 27 races at this distance, front runners have won approximately 18.5% of the time, while pressers and mid-pack runners have been winning at much higher rates.

That makes running style an important consideration.

The Today’s Racing Digest projections give No. 9 Code Duello the best numbers, including an 88 Fire Number, 128 CPR, 124 Fast Fig and 134 final time rating.

My primary contenders are:

• No. 4 Daniel’s Magic
• No. 8 Gregory’s Pride
• No. 9 Code Duello

I also think No. 1 Agency and No. 2 Harcyn could hit the board and are worth considering for exotic wagers.

Top Choice: No. 4 Daniel’s Magic

Daniel’s Magic is a presser, which fits the recent profile of this turf sprint distance.

He ran well when returning to turf at five furlongs last time, finishing second in a $25,000 claiming event. He also gets a better post position this time, moving from post eight in a nine-horse field to post four.

Trainer Craig Dollase has a solid win percentage with turf sprinters, and Kazushi Kimura takes the mount.

The tactical speed and middle post should allow Daniel’s Magic to sit behind the leaders and potentially get first run on the deeper closers.

Second Choice: No. 9 Code Duello

Code Duello owns the strongest projected numbers in the race and comes into the event in good form.

He’s capable of either setting the pace or tracking it, which gives him some versatility. If he reproduces his recent form, he should be right there.

Pick Six: 4, 9

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Breeders' Cup Classic Future Wager Pool 1 Video

In this video, I take a look at Pool 1 of the Breeders' Cup Classic Future Wager. This pool runs from Friday, August 28, 2026 thru Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 6 PM ET.

The Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic will be held at Keeneland on 10-31-26, and it is for 3-year-olds and up traveling 1 1/4 miles on the main track.

BC Classic Future Wager Pool 1: 1 - Antiquarian (RETIRED), 2 - Baby Vino (50-1), 3 - Baeza (15-1), 4 - Commandment (40-1), 5 - Emerging Market (90-1), 6 - Forever Young (6-1), 7 - Further Ado (70-1), 8 - Golden Tempo (12-1), 9 - Hit Show (80-1), 10 - Iron Honor (90-1), 11 - Knightsbridge (6-1), 12 - Leading Change (60-1), 13 - Magnitude (10-1), 14 - Napoleon Solo (50-1), 15 - Nitrogen (20-1), 16 - Phileas Fogg (25-1), 17 - Renegade (12-1), 18 - Sea Strike (30-1), 19 - Silent Tactic (60-1), 20 - Skippylongstocking (70-1), 21 - Sovereignty (4-1), 22 - Ted Noffey (50-1), 23 - The Puma (40-1), 24 - All Other Starters (8-1). 

Travers Stakes Final Analysis (8-29-26)

The 2026 Travers Stakes takes center stage at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 29. The Grade 1 event carries a $1.25 million purse and will send three-year-olds 1¼ miles around the main track, with a scheduled post time of 6:35 p.m. ET.

I have closely followed this crop through the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, covering 36 qualifying races. My top choices produced 13 wins, four seconds and seven thirds, and I have correctly tabbed 8 top choice winners in sophomore stakes races since the Triple Crown concluded in June.

Here is my look at the Travers field featuring Today’s Racing Digest race sheets.

2026 Travers Stakes Field

1. Emerging Market (15-1)

Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., Emerging Market enters the Travers off a second-place finish in a Saratoga optional claiming race against older horses.

He rallied wide from last in that July 25 race, overcoming a slow pace and an outside post to finish a clear second as the beaten favorite.

His Today’s Racing Digest numbers improved in that race, including a 121 Comprehensive Performance Rating (CPR) and a 132 final-time rating. I believe that race served as a useful prep, and he should be able to save ground behind the speed from the inside post this time.

The question is whether he can return to his best form. I see him primarily as an exotic-wager possibility.

2. Leading Change (12-1)

Leading Change is one of the most intriguing horses in the field because the Travers will be only his third lifetime start.

Brad Cox trains the colt, with Manny Franco taking over in the saddle. He won his debut at seven furlongs before stepping directly into Grade 3 company in the Indiana Derby.

He was heavily bet at 1-2 in that race and fought hard to win by a neck as my top choice.

His second-start numbers included a 100 Fire Number, a 149 final-time rating and a 124 CPR. Those figures indicate significant talent, but he will have to take another step forward while stretching to 1¼ miles against considerably more experienced horses.

I like his tactical speed and inside post but his lack of experience is the major question.

3. Napoleon Solo (8-1)

Napoleon Solo, trained by Chad Summers and ridden by John Velasquez, could be the horse most likely to dictate the pace.

Velasquez has worked the horse in the mornings and takes over as his rider. Napoleon Solo is already a Grade 1 winner, having captured the Preakness Stakes earlier in the year after winning the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes as a two-year-old.

He was second in the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes last time out.

The major concern is the distance. He has gone 1 3/16 miles, but the Travers will require another sixteenth of a mile. I expect him to be aggressive early and try to establish the lead.

If he can clear the field and get a breather on the front end, he could prove difficult to catch. If he faces pressure, however, the 1¼-mile distance could expose a stamina limitation.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Waya Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-28-26)

Happy Travers Week! The Waya Stakes is the eighth race on Friday, August 28, at Saratoga Race Course. The Grade 3 event carries a $225,000 purse and is scheduled to be run at 1 3/8 miles on the turf, with a post time of 5:07 p.m. ET.

The race sheets information discussed below is provided by Today’s Racing Digest. If you’re looking for Friday’s Saratoga past performances, you can find them on the Digest Handicapping Products Page.

The Field

1. Evershed (5-1)

Evershed enters her second start off a lengthy layoff for trainer Arnaud Delacour, with Flavien Prat picking up the mount.

The four-year-old filly has seven career starts, with two wins, two seconds and a third. Her most notable Saratoga effort came in last year’s Grade 2 Saratoga Oaks, where she finished second at 1 3/16 miles on turf.

She returned from her layoff on July 19, finishing third after a wide-closing trip at 1 1/16 miles. That race produced a 125 final-time rating, and she figures to improve with a race under her belt.

Her 147 final-time rating in the Saratoga Oaks remains the best number of her career, which makes Saratoga and the longer distance particularly interesting.

2. Snipsnippitysnip (8-1)

Brendan Walsh trains Snipsnippitysnip, with Edgar Zayas named to ride.

She rallied to finish third in a 1 3/8-mile optional claiming race at Saratoga on July 19, earning a 126 final-time rating. She had previously won at the same distance with a 117 rating.

She’ll need to improve her speed figure to contend with the best of this group, but her proven ability at the distance makes her worth considering underneath.

3. Whitethorn (10-1)

Whitethorn is trained by Todd Pletcher and will have Luis Saez aboard.

The daughter of Not This Time has finished in the top three in all seven of her starts, although all seven came in maiden company. She finally broke through last time out, winning by more than four lengths at this 1 3/8-mile distance on July 26.

Blinkers were added for that race, and the equipment change appeared to help. She rallied from well off the pace while earning a 125 final-time rating.

The question is whether she can take another step forward against stakes company. She has plenty of upside, and the added distance appears to suit her.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Travers Stakes 2026 Video Analysis

 Video analysis of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga (8-29-26). 

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

Travers Stakes 2026 Video Preview (8-22-26)

The Travers is less than a week away and here is my latest video preview.

Travers Stakes hopefuls (as of 8-22-26): Baby Vino, Emerging Market, Golden Tempo, Leading Change, Napoleon Solo, Ocelli, Renegade, Sea Strike, Silent Tactic, The Puma.

Pacific Classic 2026 Analysis (8-22-26)

The Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar is the marquee event on Saturday, August 22, with a $1 million purse and a field of 11 horses set to travel 1¼ miles on the main track. The race is scheduled as the 10th race, with a post time of 9:43 p.m. Eastern.

Pacific Classic Analysis

1. Om N Joy (20-1)

Om N Joy is a four-year-old filly taking on males, but she has plenty of experience at Del Mar. In five starts at the track, she has two wins, a second and two thirds.

She won the Grade 2 Santa Margarita at Santa Anita on May 30 after chasing a wicked 45-second opening half-mile pace. Last time out, she rallied from off the pace to finish second, beaten only a half-length, in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar.

This will be her first attempt at 1¼ miles. She should save ground behind the speed and could pick up a minor award if the pace gets hot.

2. Forged Steel (5-1)

Forged Steel will be ridden by Edwin Gonzalez for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

He won the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup at 1¼ miles on May 25, going wire to wire by more than nine lengths. However, that victory came in a five-horse field that did not appear particularly deep.

He subsequently finished fifth, beaten a dozen lengths, in the Grade 2 Suburban.

The major question is whether he can sustain his speed with several other horses likely to be involved early.

3. Finger (8-1)

Finger is an intriguing international shipper coming in from Japan. The three-year-old son of Gun Runner has been remarkably consistent, with four wins and four runner-up finishes from eight starts.

He is four-for-five this year with a second this year and enters off victories in his last two starts, including the Tokyo Derby at 1¼ miles in a 16-horse field.

The distance should not be an issue, and from post three he figures to be fairly close to the pace. The biggest question is how he will handle his first start in the United States against older horses.

4. Subsanador (12-1)

Subsanador is 12-1 on the morning line for trainer Richard Mandella, with Mike Smith aboard.

The seven-year-old has struggled to find his best form this year, finishing fourth and getting beaten by eight, eight and 37 lengths in his three starts.

He is winless in three starts at Del Mar, although he does have a second at this distance. Back-to-back bullet workouts at Del Mar provide some reason for optimism, but he will need a major turnaround.

5. Malarchuk (10-1)

Malarchuk is another horse with the ability to be forwardly placed.

The jockey-trainer combination of Umberto Rispoli and Michael McCarthy has performed well, winning 27% of the time while producing a positive return on investment.

He finished second, beaten more than nine lengths by Forged Steel, in the Hollywood Gold Cup. He prefers to race near the front, which could become an issue if several other speed horses push the pace.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Ballston Spa Stakes Analysis (8-22-26)

The Grade 2 Ballston Spa is the main appetizer on Alabama Stakes Day at Saratoga on Saturday, August 22, with a $300,000 purse on the line for fillies and mares. The race is scheduled as the 10th race, with a post time of approximately 6:07 p.m. ET, and will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf course.

Here’s a look at the field and the top contenders.

Ballston Spa Analysis

1. Ozara (8-1)

Trainer Miguel Clement sends out Ozara, with Dylan Davis aboard.

Ozara has 18 career starts with eight wins, two seconds and two thirds. She has been particularly effective at Saratoga, winning three of four starts, and she’s also strong at this distance, with four wins from six attempts.

Her recent races haven’t been her best. She finished sixth in the Grade 1 Diana last time out over yielding turf, but a return to firm ground could help. She also won this race last year, tracking the pace from an inner post before drawing clear by 1 1/2 lengths.

If Ozara returns to her best form, she could be dangerous at her 8-1 morning-line price. Her inside post should also allow Davis to save ground.

2. Sunlit Uplands (10-1)

Sunlit Uplands is an overseas shipper with John Velazquez taking the mount.

She has four wins and three runner-up finishes from 11 career starts. Her most recent victory came in a Group 3 race in Germany on July 5, where she won by three lengths in a nine-horse field.

There aren’t comparable final time figures available for her because of her European form, making her somewhat difficult to evaluate against this group. Still, the recent Group 3 victory makes her an interesting 10-1 possibility.

3. Deep Satin (5-1)

Trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Deep Satin has three wins and four seconds from 13 starts.

She was the runner-up in last year’s Ballston Spa, when Ozara defeated her.

Deep Satin’s recent form has been disappointing, including a sixth-place finish in the De La Rose Stakes. However, she has demonstrated that she is capable of running numbers competitive with this field.

She earned a 149 final rating when finishing second in this race last year, followed by a 146 in a Grade 1 at Keeneland and a 147 in the Grade 1 Just a Game at Saratoga earlier this year.

If she can rediscover her top form, she has a legitimate chance.

4. Play With Fire (15-1)

Chad Brown trains Play With Fire, with Manny Franco scheduled to ride.

She has three runner-up finishes in three starts at Saratoga, making this a favorable venue. She was second by a neck in an optional-claiming race at Saratoga on July 9, her first start since October 2025.

That long layoff makes her second start of the season particularly interesting. Her last race earned a 131 rating, and she has previously posted figures of 132 and 137.

A forward move could put her into the picture at a very attractive 15-1.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Alabama Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-22-26)

The Alabama Stakes at Saratoga is the featured race for three-year-old fillies on Saturday, August 22. The Grade 1 event carries a $600,000 purse and will be contested at 1 1/4 miles on the main track.

After reviewing the field and the Racing Digest past-performance numbers, the race appears to revolve around Counting Stars, who enters off back-to-back Grade 1 victories. She looks like the clear horse to beat, but there are a few interesting contenders underneath her.

Alabama Stakes Field Analysis

1. Nycon (20-1)

Nycon appears to have the most work to do. She has competed in graded company in her last two starts, but she was beaten by 10 lengths and 24 lengths in those races.

She did post a couple of 120 final time ratings earlier this year at a mile, but her recent numbers dropped significantly. She’ll need a substantial improvement to compete with this field.

The inside post could allow her to save ground, but it’s difficult to envision her being around at the finish.

2. Ati Girl (10-1)

Ati Girl has been improving steadily and has already demonstrated that the 1 1/4-mile distance isn’t a problem. She finished second at that distance at Churchill Downs in April and ran well in her last two starts, including a two-length-plus victory at Saratoga on July 16.

The concern is class.

All nine of her races have been maiden special weight events, so this is a major step up against graded stakes competition. Her final time ratings have improved from 104 to 110 and then 114, but she’ll need another significant jump forward here.

3. Measure (6-1)

Measure is an intriguing contender for the underneath spots.

She finished third in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga last time out, finishing behind Counting Stars and Always a Runner. Although she was beaten by more than six lengths, she continued running through the finish and earned a 125 final time rating.

That followed a 123 rating in her previous start, showing a pattern of improvement.

Flavien Prat gets the mount, and Measure’s grinding running style should suit the 1 1/4-mile distance. She doesn’t appear fast enough to beat Counting Stars on paper, but she could be a factor in the exacta.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Fleet Indian Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (8-21-26)

Video analysis of the $200,000 Fleet Indian Stakes at Saratoga (8-21-26). 

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

New York Stallion Cab Calloway Stakes Video Picks (8-20-26)

Video analysis of the $150,000 New York Stallion Cab Calloway Stakes at Saratoga (8-20-26). 

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

Travers Stakes 2026 Preview

In this horse racing article and video, I preview the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.

The Grade 1 Travers will be held at Saratoga Race Course on 8-29-26, and it is for 3-year-olds traveling 1 1/4 miles on the main track.

Travers Stakes hopefuls (as of 8-16-26): Baby Vino, Commandment, Emerging Market, Golden Tempo, Leading Change, Napoleon Solo, Ocelli, Renegade, Sea Strike, Silent Tactic, The Puma. 

Latest Workouts:

Baby Vino – 3 works since winning the G1 Haskell in the slop. Latest move: 5f in 1:00.40 (2/8) at MTH on Aug. 15.

Commandment – Has not had a published work since finishing 2nd in the G2 Jim Dandy on Aug. 1.

Emerging Market – Clearly second best as the beaten favorite vs. older rivals at 9f at SAR July 25 (OC-80k/2x). Wide closing trip from outside post. 2 works at SAR since his last outing including a 4f breeze in 48.75 (17/54) on Aug. 15.

Golden Tempo – Got sick after the Belmont and missed an intended start in the Jim Dandy. 5 works overall and 4 moves at SAR since the Belmont including a 4f bullet in 47.46 (1/67) on Aug. 15. Out 5f in 1:00.25. 

Leading Change – 2-for-2 for Brad Cox including a stakes win in the G3 Indiana Derby July 11. 4 works at CD since the Indiana Derby including a 5f breeze in 1:00.20 (8/44) on Aug. 15. 

Napoleon Solo – G1 Preakness winner and G1 Haskell runner-up has worked twice at SAR since his last start including a 5f bullet in 58.81 (1/7) on Aug. 12. Final 1/4 in 23.24 and out 6f in 1:11.66, 7f in 1:24.44, and one mile in 1:37.94. John Velazquez was up for the impressive work. He will run next in the Travers or PA Derby.

Ocelli – The maiden did not handle a wet track in the Haskell. He has breezed 3 times at SAR since his last start including a 4f work in 48.80 (24/64) on Aug. 15. In company with stakes winning sprinter Bring the Smoke. Out 6f in 1:14 and 7f in 1:27.70.

Renegade – G2 Jim Dandy winner got back to work with a 4f breeze in 50.66 (99/114) at SAR on Aug. 14. Worked in company with Aug. 1 SAR dirt route winner Sassmaster. Galloped out 5f in 1:03.57. This was just a leg-stretching move 13-days after the Jim Dandy and he showed nice energy and has seemingly bounced out of his last start in good order.

Sea Strike – Nice win vs. restricted stakes foes in the 9f Curlin at SAR on Aug. 2. Got back on the worktab with a 4f move in 47.63 (3/64) at SAR Aug. 15. Out 5f in 1:00.55 and 6f in 1:13.31. Flavien Prat will ride him in the Travers.

Silent Tactic – Jim Dandy show finisher has not returned to the worktab since his last start on Aug. 1.

The Puma – Did not seem to care for the wet track when finishing 4th in the Haskell. Two works at SAR since his last start including a strong 5f bullet in 59.80 (1/10) on Aug. 14. He breezed under his rider Javier Castellano and got his final 1/4 in 23.89. He was out 6f in 1:12.56, 7f in 1:25.38, and a mile in 1:38.91.

Please visit The Runaway Horse Shop to purchase my full cards.

Mahony Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-16-26)

The Mahony Stakes at Saratoga is set for Sunday, August 16, with a scheduled post time of 6:06 p.m. ET. The Grade 3 event carries a $225,000 purse and is for three-year-olds dashing 5½ furlongs on the turf course.

The field features seven runners, including even-money morning-line favorite Outfielder, a stakes-winning speedster, and Intricate Spirit, who is looking to rebound from a troubled trip in his most recent start.

Here is a look at the field.

Mahony Stakes Field

1. Rebel With a Cause (8-1)

Javier Castellano takes over for trainer Lauren Robson aboard Rebel With a Cause, who has won three of five career starts and is two-for-three in turf sprints.

His most recent victory came in the My Frenchman Stakes at Monmouth on July 11. He chased the pace before winning by 1¼ lengths over Big Destroyer, who returns in this field.

Rebel With a Cause has been steadily improving according to the Today’s Racing Digest numbers. His final-time ratings have progressed from 120 to 131, 132 and 134 in his recent starts. His Fire numbers have also improved, reaching 88 in each of his last two races.

The inside post and tactical speed are positives, but he will need another step forward to defeat this group.

2. Outfielder (Even Money Favorite)

Outfielder is the horse to beat.

The Wesley Ward trainee has won four of seven starts, with John Velazquez aboard for all four victories. His best performance came in the William Walker Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 9, when he won at 5½ furlongs while pressing the pace.

That race produced an impressive 143 final-time rating and 183 pace rating from Today’s Racing Digest. Those numbers make Outfielder the fastest horse on paper in this field.

He subsequently traveled to Royal Ascot for a Group 1 event on June 19. Facing a large 22-horse field, he finished 10th, beaten just over five lengths.

If Outfielder returns to the form he showed in the William Walker, he could be very difficult to beat. Velazquez and Ward also give him a strong jockey-trainer combination.

3. Oscar’s Hope (8-1)

Oscar’s Hope is the biggest question mark in the field because he is switching from dirt to turf.

The good news is that his pedigree offers some encouragement. His sire, Twirling Candy, has been productive with turf runners, and Oscar’s Hope has already shown some ability in training on the surface. He worked four furlongs on the Saratoga turf on August 1 in 49 seconds, the second-fastest of 14 horses.

He has been consistent on dirt, finishing with four wins, three seconds and a third in 10 starts. His recent final-time ratings have included a 135, two 134s and a 138.

If he can transfer that form to turf, Oscar’s Hope could be competitive at a price.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

King's Plate 2026 Analysis at Woodbine (8-15-26)

The $1 million King’s Plate, the opening leg of the Canadian Triple Crown Series, is set for Saturday, August 15 at Woodbine. The 1 1/4-mile race on all-weather ground for Canadian-foaled 3-year-olds is scheduled as the 10th race with a post time of 6:12 p.m. Eastern.

The field features 12 runners, including a pair of fillies in Luster and Dixie Law.

Based on the Today’s Racing Digest past performances, Luster looks like the horse to beat, but there a few contenders who could give the impressive Woodbine Oaks winner a run for the money.

King’s Plate Field & Analysis

1. Luster (Even Money Favorite)

Luster is the clear horse to beat for Josie Carroll. She is 4-for-5 lifetime, 2-for-3 at Woodbine, and comes off a dominant victory in the Woodbine Oaks at 1 1/8 miles. She tracked the pace, drew off by more than five lengths and was geared down late.

Her Digest numbers are excellent, with recent Fire Numbers of 94, 94, and 98 and Final Time Ratings of 144 and 146. The Knicks Go filly has already proven she can win around two turns and should have the tactical speed to secure a favorable trip from the rail under her winning pilot John Velazquez.

2. Fire and Wine (30-1)

Fire and Wine has won twice at Woodbine, but his recent form is a major concern. His last three Fire Numbers are only 80, 48 and 76, well below what appears necessary to win this race.

His best races have come when he was able to get to the lead. He hasn’t been able to establish that position in his recent starts, and even if he does make the lead here, he’ll have to improve significantly to stay there for 1 1/4 miles.

3. Baaeed Alynna (30-1)

Baaeed Alynna was sixth, beaten seven lengths, in the Plate Trial. That was his first attempt around two turns, so there is some possibility of improvement with experience.

He did earn an improved 88 Fire Number last time, but his recent Final Time Ratings of 114, 113, and 125 leave him with plenty to prove from a class and speed standpoint.

4. Imyourmedicineman (20-1)

Imyourmedicineman has just one win from seven starts, although he has also recorded two seconds and a third. His lone victory came at Woodbine at 1 1/16 miles in November 2025.

He rallied to finish second in the Plate Trial at 28-1, which was encouraging, and his recent Fire Numbers of 98 and 90 are competitive. However, he hasn’t won in five starts since his maiden optional-claiming victory.

Red more at Today's Racing Digest 

Philip H. Iselin Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-15-26)

The Grade 3 Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, August 15, brings together a competitive field of six older horses going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. The $150,000 event is scheduled as the fifth race, with a 2:57 p.m. Eastern post time.

The 1 1/16-mile distance at Monmouth has generally favored horses racing near the pace. Early-pressing types have accounted for the overwhelming majority of winners in the available sample, while late runners have had a difficult time getting the job done. The inside posts, particularly positions one through three, have also performed well at this distance.

That could make early positioning especially important in this year’s Iselin.

1. East Avenue

East Avenue is one of the top contenders in this race after an impressive victory in the Grade 3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth on June 13. Breaking from the outside post in that one-mile event, he raced wide throughout but still managed to get up by a nose over Bishops Bay.

The victory was particularly encouraging because East Avenue demonstrated a new dimension to his running style. He had previously been much more dependent on being near the front, but this year he has shown an ability to relax and pass horses. He also stalked the pace effectively in the Grade 3 Oaklawn Mile earlier this year, finishing just three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

His Today’s Racing Digest numbers also point to continued improvement. He earned a 153 final-time rating and a 104 Fire Number in his latest start, both strong figures for this field. His best number prior to that was a 141 in the Oaklawn Mile in March, suggesting that he could be moving forward as a four-year-old.

The switch from an outside post to the rail should help, particularly at a distance where the inside posts have performed well. Tyler Gaffalione, who rode him to victory last time, stays aboard.

East Avenue has the combination of current form, speed, tactical versatility and a favorable post to make him one of the horses to beat.

2. Chunk of Gold

Chunk of Gold is an intriguing runner making his second start of the year.

The four-year-old has finished in the top three in 10 of 11 career starts, with three wins and six runner-up finishes. He returned from a lengthy layoff on June 28 at Churchill Downs, setting the pace before finishing second at 1 1/16 miles.

That race produced a slow early pace and a faster finish, which may have contributed to his modest 131 final-time rating. He should be fitter for his second start of the year, and his previous form suggests he is capable of a significantly faster effort.

He earned a 150 final-time rating in last year’s Grade 2 Clark and previously posted a 153 in a romping allowance victory at Keeneland. His past pace ratings have also been strong, including figures of 162, 155, 171 and 156.

The question is how much improvement he can make from his four-year-old debut. With his tactical speed and the inside-friendly post, he has a legitimate chance to take another step forward.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest