- Venue: Saratoga Race Course — Saratoga Springs, New York
- Race: Intercontinental Stakes (Grade II)
- Race Number: 8
- Surface: Turf (5½ furlongs, rail at 18 feet)
- Purse: $250,000
- Age/Sex: Fillies & Mares, 4‑years‑old and up
- Scheduled Post Time: 4:27 PM ET
- Lasix: Not permitted within 48 hours (HISA Rule 4212)
Expected Weather & Track Projection
Early June in Saratoga Springs typically brings:
- Temps: Upper‑60s to upper‑70s °F
- Conditions: Partly cloudy with light winds
- Turf Projection: Firm (unless rain develops)
This is based on typical Saratoga early‑June climate patterns; no source provided a specific 2026 forecast.
Full Field Analysis (Posts 1–10)
POST 1 — Twirling Queen (15/1 ML)
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. Trainer: Jose Francisco D’Angelo Last Race: 1st, 2026 Captiva Island Stakes (LS), Speed Fig 107
Profile & Form
A sharp turf sprinter by Twirling Candy, she enters off a strong stakes win with a triple‑digit figure. She’s fast, consistent, and draws the rail — which can be tricky at 5½f but gives her inside position.
Running Style
Forward‑placed, but not a need‑the‑lead type. Santana excels with aggressive turf rides.
Outlook
A live longshot with upside if she breaks sharply.
POST 2 — Creed’s Gold (8/1 ML)
Jockey: Javier Castellano Trainer: Mark E. Casse Last Race: 3rd, 2026 Unbridled Sidney (G2), Speed Fig 89
Profile & Form
A daughter of Jimmy Creed, she’s been knocking on the door in graded turf sprints. Her last race was solid, and she fits well at this level.
Running Style
Stalker who sits 2–4 lengths off the pace.
Outlook
A consistent mare who could easily hit the board with a clean trip.
POST 3 — In Our Time (3/1 ML)
Jockey: Flavien Prat Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Last Race: 1st, 2026 Giant’s Causeway (G2), Speed Fig 109
Profile & Form
One of the most dangerous entrants. She’s in peak form, already a G2 winner this season, and owns one of the best recent speed figures in the field.
Running Style
Versatile — can press or stalk. Prat is elite at timing late bursts.
Outlook
A top win contender and likely favorite by post time.
POST 4 — Ready to Jam (10/1 ML)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado Trainer: Brad Cox Last Race: 1st, 2025 Autumn Days Stakes (LS)
Profile & Form
Lightly raced but talented. She hasn’t run since late 2025, but Cox is excellent off layoffs.
Running Style
Prefers to sit midpack and make one run.
Outlook
A wildcard — if she fires fresh, she’s competitive.
POST 5 — Love Cervere (10/1 ML)
Jockey: Manuel Franco Trainer: Miguel Clement Last Race: 1st, 2026 License Fee Stakes (LS)
Profile & Form
A rapidly improving Into Mischief filly with a sharp stakes win last out. Clement’s turf sprinters are always dangerous at Saratoga.
Running Style
Tactical speed; can sit just behind the leaders.
Outlook
A value play with legitimate upside.
POST 6 — Time to Dazzle (8/1 ML)
Jockey: Jose Ortiz Trainer: Mark E. Casse Last Race: 5th, 2026 Unbridled Sidney (G2), Speed Fig 86
Profile & Form
A talented mare who didn’t fire last out but has back‑class. Casse keeps her in graded company for a reason.
Running Style
Prefers to stalk but can be pace‑compromised if she breaks slowly.
Outlook
Needs a rebound but has the talent to surprise.
POST 7 — Gratefully (4/1 ML)
Jockey: John Velazquez Trainer: Robert Falcone Jr. Last Race: 1st, 2026 Wishing Well Stakes, Speed Fig 115
Profile & Form
One of the fastest horses in the field on raw numbers. That 115 figure jumps off the page.
Running Style
Explosive late kick; Johnny V fits her perfectly.
Outlook
A major win threat — arguably the most dangerous closer in the race.
POST 8 — Italian Soiree (15/1 ML)
Jockey: Dylan Davis Trainer: Graham Motion Last Race: 9th, 2026 Distaff Turf Mile (G2), Speed Fig 95
Profile & Form
Cutting back from a mile to 5½f — a dramatic shift. Motion is excellent with turf routers, but this is a sprint specialist’s race.
Running Style
Midpack runner who may find the pace too sharp.
Outlook
Needs a perfect setup; more of an exotic fringe player.
POST 9 — Shoot It True (7/2 ML)
Jockey: Juan Hernandez Trainer: Wesley Ward Last Race: 2nd, 2026 Unbridled Sidney (G2), Speed Fig 93
Profile & Form
Ward is lethal in turf sprints, and this filly is in top form. She’s fast, consistent, and draws a great outside post.
Running Style
Pure speed — expects to be on or near the lead.
Outlook
A must‑use in all tickets and a top‑two win candidate.
POST 10 — Roja (10/1 ML)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Graham Motion Last Race: 1st, Churchill Downs AOC (Apr 29, 2026), Speed Fig 109
Profile & Form
A lightly raced filly with a huge allowance win last out. Irad taking the mount is a major sign of confidence.
Running Style
Stalker with a strong finishing punch.
Outlook
A live longshot with a real chance to upset.
Also Eligible (MTO)
POST 11 — Bam’s Bliss Kiss (5/2 ML)
Trainer: Jorge Abreu Status: Main‑Track‑Only (runs only if race is moved off turf)
Pace Projection
- Early Speed: Shoot It True (9), Twirling Queen (1), Creed’s Gold (2)
- Pressers: In Our Time (3), Love Cervere (5), Roja (10)
- Closers: Gratefully (7), Ready to Jam (4), Italian Soiree (8)
Expect a fast, contested pace, which may set up perfectly for Gratefully or In Our Time.
Power Rankings
| Rank | Horse | Win Probability |
| 1 | In Our Time (3) | 28% |
| 2 | Shoot It True (9) | 24% |
| 3 | Gratefully (7) | 20% |
| 4 | Roja (10) | 12% |
| 5 | Love Cervere (5) | 8% |
| 6 | Twirling Queen (1) | 5% |
| Others | — | <3% each |
