Sunday, August 2, 2026

Saratoga Sunday Stakes Analysis + Video (8-2-26)

Sunday’s Saratoga card features three exciting stakes races, including two events that were rescheduled earlier in the week. The Curlin Stakes and Grade 2 Glens Falls were originally slated for Wednesday and Thursday before being moved to Sunday’s program, joining the Grade 3 Adirondack Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.

Below is my stakes analysis and top selections.

The past performance data referenced in this analysis and video is provided by Today’s Racing Digest using the Complete Digest.

Race 8: Grade 2 Glens Falls Stakes

$250,000 • Fillies & Mares • 1½ Miles (Turf)

The Glens Falls attracted a large field, and while the projected figures from the Digest point strongly toward Dona Clota, I’m willing to look elsewhere.

Dona Clota owns the top projected speed ratings across several categories after an impressive victory at Delaware Park. However, that performance came against softer competition, and she’ll have to overcome a difficult outside post while facing a tougher field at Saratoga.

Top Contenders

#8 Speed Shopper (5-1)

I’m willing to draw a line through Speed Shopper’s most recent start in the Grade 1 New York Stakes. Instead, I want to focus on her marathon turf races.

She owns an excellent Grade 3 victory at Keeneland at this 1½-mile distance and has consistently run well in longer turf stakes. Her tactical speed should allow her to secure good position early, and Irad Ortiz Jr. gives her another positive edge.

The biggest question is whether she’ll handle softer turf if rain affects course conditions, but if she does, I believe she’s the horse to beat.

#6 Survie (7-2)

Survie makes her first North American start after competing well overseas.

Although she wasn’t a prolific winner in Europe, she consistently held her own against quality competition and appears to fit nicely with this group. Flavien Prat takes the mount, making this an intriguing newcomer capable of making an immediate impact.

#9 Gezora (5-2)

Gezora clearly has the class to win this race.

She captured last year’s Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf before changing barns twice, but her first two starts this season haven’t matched that championship form.

Returning to a longer distance may help her rebound, but at a short price I’m willing to use her underneath rather than on top.

The Runaway Horse

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Johnstone Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (8-5-26)