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

Video analysis of the $200,000 Johnstone Stakes at Saratoga (8-5-26). 

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

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.

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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.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Analysis (8-1-26)

The Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is the feature race at Del Mar on Saturday, August 1 with a talented field of fillies and mares competing for a $400,000 purse at 1 1/16 miles on the main track.

With multiple early-pressing types entered, the fractions should be honest, creating opportunities for stalkers and late runners. Here’s a horse-by-horse look at the field.

Pace Outlook

Four horses possess enough early speed to make this an honest race from a race flow standpoint.

Simply Joking, Seismic Beauty, A Thousand Miles, and Euromia all figure to be involved during the opening stages. Whether they engage in a prolonged battle—or one horse clears without pressure—will likely determine the final outcome.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Chasten (4-1)

Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux

Chasten enters this race in outstanding form after dominating a listed stakes at Delaware Park by open lengths. She has improved significantly this season, posting some of the best speed figures of her career while winning two stakes races.

Although both victories came in listed company rather than graded stakes, she previously held her own against much tougher competition when racing wide early and splitting a 10-horse field in a Grade 1 at Churchill Downs. She didn’t threaten the winner that afternoon, but she wasn’t disgraced against a deep cast.

The rail draw should allow Florent Geroux to secure a ground-saving trip behind the early leaders. If a fast pace develops, Chasten might get first run turning for home.

#2 Hey Jesse (12-1)

Trainer: Sean McCarthy
Jockey: Antonio Fresu

Hey Jesse is somewhat of a wildcard.

Most of her success has come on turf, where she’s won three races, but she did win her lone dirt start. She exits a fifth-place finish in the Possibly Perfect Stakes on grass and now returns to the main track.

Her closing style could benefit if the early leaders soften each other up, but she’ll likely need significant pace help to threaten this field.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Jim Dandy Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-1-26)

The Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, August 1 is the final major prep race for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes. With a $500,000 purse and a compact but talented field of five three-year-olds, this year’s edition promises to be a tactical affair over 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

While the field is small, it features several accomplished stakes runners with legitimate Travers aspirations. Here’s a closer look at the contenders and how the race could unfold.

Pace Scenario

One of the biggest handicapping angles in this race is the projected pace.

There isn’t an abundance of early speed, which could give Chip Honcho a tactical advantage from the rail. After showing improved maturity in recent starts, he no longer needs the lead but has enough natural speed to establish position early. If left alone on the front end, he could prove difficult to reel in.

Commandment figures to sit just outside the leader, while Renegade is expected to settle toward the back before launching his customary late rally.

With only five horses entered, positioning will likely be every bit as important as raw talent.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Chip Honcho (3-1)

Chip Honcho enters off a victory in the Grade 3 Ohio Derby, where he tracked the pace before finishing strongly to win by a length. His recent races suggest he’s becoming more versatile, relaxing early instead of insisting on the lead.

The inside draw should allow him to secure excellent early position, and in a race lacking abundant speed, he could control the tempo. The question is whether his Ohio Derby form translates against a stronger group of rivals.

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#2 Asked and Answered (30-1)

Asked and Answered remains a maiden after six starts and appears badly overmatched.

His speed figures fall well short of what will likely be required to compete at this level, making him the longest shot in the field.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Amsterdam Stakes 2026 Picks (7-31-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 2, $250,000 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga (7-31-26). 

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

Glens Falls Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (7-30-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga (7-30-26). 

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

Curlin Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-29-26)

The Curlin Stakes is the feature race at Saratoga on Wednesday, July 29, offering a $150,000 purse for 3-year-olds that have not won a graded stakes race. The field of six will travel 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

Race Overview

• Race: Curlin Stakes (Race 6)
• Track: Saratoga
• Distance: 1 1/8 miles
• Surface: Dirt
• Purse: $150,000
• Post Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

Projected Pace

Gulfy appears to be the main speed horse.

Blackout Time and Zihnal should settle into stalking positions, while Chief Wallabee is expected to enjoy a tactical trip just outside the leaders. With only six horses entered, early position and trip could prove especially important.

The projected pace scenario seems to favor horses with early-pressing speed rather than deep closers.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Blackout Time (3-1)

Blackout Time enters off a dominant six-length victory in an allowance race at Churchill Downs. That performance represented a significant rebound after disappointing efforts earlier this season in the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby.

The big question is whether that effort was aided by several favorable factors, including a wet track, the addition of Lasix, and class relief. Earlier in his career, he proved he belonged with quality company by finishing second in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity, so the talent is there. If he repeats his most recent speed figure, he’ll be a serious contender.

#2 Gulfy (12-1)

Gulfy projects as the likely pace setter. His forward running style might allow him to carve out the early fractions in a race that lacks abundant early speed.

The concern is whether he can finish strongly enough. While his pace figures are competitive, his recent final time ratings fall short of what will likely be required to defeat the top contenders. He could prove dangerous if left alone on the lead but appears more likely to be running for a minor award.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Eddie Read Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-26-26)

The Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes is the feature race at Del Mar on Sunday, July 26, with a $250,000 purse for three-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles on the turf course.

Race Overview

• Race: Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes
• Track: Del Mar
• Distance: 1 1/8 miles (turf)
• Purse: $250,000
• Post Time: 9:10 p.m. ET

Pace Analysis

Cabo Spirit projects as the lone confirmed front-runner and could find himself on an uncontested lead under Mike Smith.

Post time favorite Formidable Man can be placed anywhere and figures to chase moderate fractions.

Mondego is capable of working out a forwardly placed trip from an inner post.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Astronomer (20-1)

Astronomer has not won a race since the Golden Mile at Del Mar in 2021 and his winless streak stands at 20 races.

He is capable of getting into a forward position from the inside post but he probably won’t be around at the end.

#2 Mondego (8-1)

Mondego enters off a victory in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham (May 2), and he captured the Grade 3 San Marcos in February.

Although those wins came at longer distances, his positional speed gives him a chance to make an impact if he handles the cutback.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Coaching Club American Oaks Video Picks (7-25-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga (7-25-26). 

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

Bing Crosby Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-25-26)

The Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes headlines Saturday’s card at Del Mar, serving as Race 10 with a $400,000 purse for three-year-olds and up. The six-furlong sprint has attracted a talented and evenly matched field, making it one of the most competitive races of the weekend.

Race Overview

• Race 10: Bing Crosby Stakes (Grade 1)
• Track: Del Mar
• Distance: 6 furlongs
• Purse: $400,000
• Post Time: 9:40 p.m. ET

Pace Projection

The Bing Crosby should feature an aggressive early pace.

Maximum Bourbon, Listenupshance, Cornucopian, and Mad House all possess early speed, while Stronghold figures to settle just behind the leaders in a stalking position.

If the pace becomes contested, horses like Dr. Venkman and Moonlight could find themselves closing into a tiring field. Still, the tactical runners appear to hold the advantage.

Field Analysis

#1 Maximum Bourbon (7-2)

Maximum Bourbon enters in excellent form after an impressive victory as my top choice in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs. His speed figures have steadily improved with each recent start, and he owns four wins from six career races.

The primary concern is the rail draw. From the inside post, he’ll likely need to leave the gate quickly to secure position against several other speed horses. While talented enough to contend, the trip could prove more difficult than it was in his most recent victory.

#2 Listenupshance (8-1)

Listenupshance has been competitive in graded company throughout the season. He finished second in the Grade 3 San Carlos behind Cornucopian before recording another solid effort in the Grade 3 True North at Saratoga.

He has enough early speed to stay involved from the outset and could be a factor if he secures a favorable stalking trip.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Shuvee Stakes 2026 Analysis at Saratoga (7-24-26)

The Grade 2 Shuvee Stakes headlines Friday’s card at Saratoga, serving as Race 8 with a $250,000 purse for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

Below is a breakdown of the field and key handicapping angles.

Pace Scenario

Snowyte appears to be the most likely pacesetter from the rail, with Scottish Lassie also expected to race prominently.

Bless the Broken and Fully Subscribed should enjoy stalking trips just behind the leaders, and Eunomia is capable of working out a forwardly placed trip if she gets out of the gate in good order. The remaining runners will likely settle farther back and hope for a contested pace.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

1. Snowyte

Snowyte has been relatively consistent throughout her career, finishing first or second in seven of her nine starts. She exits a runner-up finish in the Top Flight Stakes after tracking the pace throughout and proving clearly second best behind Scalable, and show finisher Lost Horizon was a next-out stakes winner.

She posted a sharp bullet workout at Saratoga leading into this race and projects as one of the primary pace factors from the rail. While she’ll need to improve on her most recent speed figure, she’s capable of taking this field a long way if left alone on the front end.

2. Aeolian

The lightly raced Chad Brown trainee has plenty of upside after just four career starts, but this represents a significant class test.

After being elevated to victory in an optional-claiming race last time, she’ll stretch out to her longest distance while facing graded stakes company for the first time. Her recent speed figures suggest she still has work to do before matching this field.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Del Mar Analysis & Pick 6 Carryover (7-23-26)

Del Mar’s Thursday card features eight competitive races and an attractive Pick 6 carryover beginning in Race 3. After reviewing the fields, pace scenarios, class levels, and projected speed figures, here are my race-by-race selections and betting thoughts.

Race 1 – $16,000 Claiming (5½ Furlongs)

The morning-line favorite SendIt Mo owns strong projected speed figures, but the drop from a $32,000 claim to $16,000 in just his second start for the new barn raises concerns.

Top Pick: #3 Uecker (4-1)

Uecker drops in class while switching back to dirt. His turf speed figures compare favorably with this field, and he previously ran well over the main track, finishing a close second with a competitive speed figure. If he transfers his turf form to dirt, he offers solid value.

Contenders

• #3 Uecker
• #2 SendIt Mo
• #1 Joker Went Wild

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Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight (5 Furlongs Turf)

Top Pick: #8 Captain Shreve (7-2)

Captain Shreve has faced tougher competition on dirt and now makes an intriguing move to the turf course. George Papaprodromou’s sophomore gelding reunites with jockey Umberto Rispoli, who guided him to a runner-up finish in his debut late last year. If he handles the surface switch, he should be a major player.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Suzie O'Cain Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (7-23-26)

Video analysis of the $200,000 Suzie O'Cain Stakes at Saratoga (7-23-26). 

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

Haskell Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-18-26)

The Grade 1 Haskell Stakes headlines the big 14-race Saturday card at Monmouth Park, bringing together a competitive field of seven 3-year-olds for a $1 million prize. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Haskell has long served as one of the premier summer tests for sophomores, and this year’s edition features several accomplished stakes winners.

With the possibility of rain in the forecast, wet-track pedigrees could become an important handicapping factor. Here’s a horse-by-horse look at the field.

Pace Outlook

Napoleon Solo appears to have the tactical advantage and could control the tempo if left alone on the front end. Further Ado and Iron Honor are expected to settle just behind the leader, while Baby Vino should also be prominent early.

The Puma and Ocelli will likely make their runs from farther back, but without a contested early pace, they may have too much ground to make up in the stretch.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Star Sweeper (30-1)

Star Sweeper faces a difficult assignment after finishing last in the Pegasus Stakes, the local prep for the Haskell. Although he previously earned a stronger speed figure in the Long Branch Stakes, his best efforts still fall short of what will likely be required to win this race.

He will need dramatic improvement against much tougher competition.

#2 Further Ado (2-1)

Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Further Ado enters as the morning line favorite.

His speed figures have alternated between standout performances and more modest efforts throughout his career. His dominant victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes demonstrated his top-end ability, while his most recent win in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes confirmed that he remains in excellent form.

The question is consistency. If he reproduces one of his best races, he is certainly capable of winning.

His pedigree also indicates he should handle a wet surface.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

San Diego Handicap 2026 Video Picks (7-18-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 2, $300,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar (7-18-26). 

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

Diana Stakes 2026 Analysis at Saratoga (7-18-26)

The Grade 1 Diana Stakes returns to Saratoga on Saturday, July 18, featuring a talented field of fillies and mares competing over 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf for a $500,000 purse. As always, the race attracts some of the top turf runners in New York, and one trainer once again dominates the conversation: Chad Brown.

Chad Brown’s Remarkable Diana Record

Few trainers have owned a race the way Chad Brown has owned the Diana Stakes. Brown has won the race ten times, including victories with standout mares such as Zagora, Lady Eli, Sistercharlie, Rushing Fall, In Italian, Whitebeam, and Excellent Truth.

This year, Brown sends out four runners, giving him another strong opportunity to extend his remarkable record.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Dynamic Pricing (6-1)

Dynamic Pricing enters off a solid second-place finish and was third in last year’s Diana for Chad Brown. She has an excellent Saratoga record with two wins and two third-place finishes in four starts.

One factor working in her favor is the possibility of rain in the forecast. She has proven she handles softer turf, including a Grade 1 victory over yielding ground. If rain softens the course, her chances improve significantly. From the rail, she should enjoy a ground-saving trip before making her late run.

#2 Cathedral (6-1)

The European invader has faced quality competition overseas and produced a respectable fourth-place finish in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf after stalking the pace.

The concern is her lack of winning punch. Despite several competitive efforts, she owns just one victory from eleven career starts. She has enough class to hit the board but must improve to earn the win. 

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Coronation Cup 2026 Analysis at Saratoga (7-18-26)

The Grade 3 Coronation Cup is the eighth race at Saratoga on Saturday, July 18. The race offers a $225,000 purse and is contested at 5½ furlongs on the turf for three-year-old fillies.

With only six runners entered (excluding the two main-track-only horses), pace will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome. Here’s my look at each contender and how I see the race unfolding.

Pace Analysis

With a compact field, early position should be especially important.

Cy Fair and Sapphire Beach appear to be the two most likely pace factors. John Velazquez is an aggressive rider and may send Cy Fair from the inside to secure the lead. However, Sapphire Beach has enough natural speed to either pressure the pace or sit comfortably just outside the leader.

That tactical advantage could prove decisive if the pace remains moderate, making life difficult for the late runners.

Quiet Street (#1)

Quiet Street began her career with back-to-back turf sprint victories, including an impressive maiden win at Saratoga where she rallied from last to first. She followed that debut effort with a stakes victory before facing tougher competition at mostly longer distances in subsequent starts.

The biggest concern is race shape. In a small field without an abundance of early speed, Quiet Street figures to settle near the back early and will need a favorable pace to set up her late kick. She also needs to improve on the speed figures she’s earned this season to return to her best form.

She has enough talent to make an impact late, but the projected pace scenario makes her a difficult horse to back on top.

Cy Fair (#2)

Cy Fair has been one of the most consistent turf sprinters in this division. Through six turf sprint starts, she owns four wins, one second, and one third while consistently earning competitive speed figures.

After winning her Saratoga debut last summer, she finished a close second in a stakes race over the same course before capping her juvenile campaign with a victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. She returned this season with a close third in the Limestone Stakes before capturing a Grade 3 at Churchill Downs.

John Velazquez reunites with the filly after riding her in her first two career starts. Her early-pressing speed gives Johnny V plenty of options, and from post two she could either set the pace or sit just off the leader.

She deserves plenty of respect.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

De La Rose Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-17-26)

The De La Rose Stakes headlines the Friday, July 17 card at Saratoga as Race 9, featuring a $150,000 purse for fillies and mares that have not won a graded stakes race in 2025 or 2026. The field will travel one mile on the inner turf course with a scheduled post time of 5:45 p.m. ET.

Race Overview

Salty Senorita draws the rail and projects as the likely early leader after showing the way in two of her last three starts. Horses such as And One More Time, Long Ago, and Being Betty also possess early-pressing speed and should ensure an honest tempo.

That setup could favor runners capable of sitting just behind the leaders before producing a strong late kick.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Salty Senorita

Salty Senorita has shown early speed and nearly won the Lady Canterbury Stakes in her most recent start, finishing second by a neck. She projects as the main speed from the rail, but she’ll need to prove she belongs against a deeper and more accomplished field.

#2 Hang the Moon

A two-time Grade 2 winner in 2024, Hang the Moon enters this race after competing against tougher company in the Grade 1 Gamely. Since joining trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., she has won an optional claiming race, narrowly missed in the Sand Springs Stakes, and most recently missed third by a nose in the Grade 1 Gamely at Santa Anita.

The class relief is significant. She owns a sharp late kick, regularly finishing her races strongly, and should enjoy a ground-saving trip from post 2 under her new rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.

#3 And One More Time

The Grade 1 Natalma Stakes winner from 2024 continues to run competitive races against quality company. She captured the Plenty of Grace Stakes earlier this season before finishing a respectable fifth in the Grade 1 Just a Game after a wide trip.

She is 3-for-4 at one mile and has the tactical speed to secure favorable early position.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Haskell Stakes 2026 Video Update

Video preview of the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. 

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

Bowling Green Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-11-26)

The Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes headlines an 11-race program at Saratoga on Saturday, July 11. The $250,000 event is scheduled for 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course for older horses, and it shapes up as an intriguing tactical race with very little early speed.

A projected slow pace could make early positioning the key to victory. Here’s a look at the contenders.

Race Overview

• Race 10: Bowling Green Stakes
• Grade: 2
• Purse: $250,000
• Distance: 1 3/8 miles
• Surface: Inner Turf
• Post Time: 5:39 p.m. ET

With favorable weather expected, the three main-track-only entrants are unlikely to draw into the race.

Pace Scenario

The Bowling Green lacks a confirmed front-runner, making race shape especially important.

Ole Crazy Bone projects to secure a forward position from the rail and could find himself controlling the pace. If allowed to dictate moderate fractions, he may prove difficult to reel in during the stretch.

Horses relying on a late rally, such as Desvio, may not receive the pace setup they need.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Ole Crazy Bone (5-2)

Ole Crazy Bone has been transformed since joining the Mike Maker barn. Claimed for $100,000 in June 2025, he quickly developed into a graded stakes winner by capturing the Grade 2 Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs under Saturday’s rider Flavien Prat.

His most recent start came in an optional claimer at a mile and one-sixteenth, where he finished a solid second in what appeared to be a prep for this race. Stretching back out to 1 3/8 miles should suit him perfectly.

His speed figures stack up well with this field, and his tactical running style is a major advantage in a race lacking true front-end speed. Drawing the rail should also allow Flavien Prat to secure ideal early position.

#2 Soleil Volant (12-1)

Soleil Volant offers value at double-digit odds.

He won at today’s distance earlier this season at Churchill Downs before finishing second in the Cape Henlopen Stakes after racing wide throughout. Breaking from post two should allow him to save considerably more ground this time.

His recent figures are competitive enough to make him a live contender for the exotics.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest