Venue: Saratoga Race Course — Saratoga Springs, New York
Scheduled Post Time: 6:14 PM ET
Surface: Inner Turf
Distance: 1 3/16 miles
Purse: $750,000
Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 4‑years‑old and up
The New York Stakes is one of the premier turf routes for older fillies and mares in the United States. It routinely produces Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf contenders and often features the best turf barns in the country—Brown, Clement, Walsh, Motion, and Mott.
Expected Weather & Track Conditions (Saratoga Springs):
Temperature: 72–76°F
Conditions: Mostly sunny
Rain Chance: <10%
Wind: 5–10 mph WNW
Projected Turf Condition: Firm (Inner Turf)
The Inner Turf at Saratoga rewards tactical positioning, ground‑saving trips, and strong late acceleration.
FULL FIELD ANALYSIS — 2026 NEW YORK STAKES
Post 1 — Surge Capacity
ML Odds: 3/1 Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Flavien Prat Owner: Klaravich Stables Running Style: Tactical stalker
Recent Finishes
2nd — GI Jenny Wiley (1 1/16m, KEE, Firm)
1st — GII Hillsborough (1 1/8m, TAM, Firm)
3rd — GI QEII Challenge Cup (1 1/8m, KEE, Firm)
Analysis
A Grade I‑caliber mare with elite acceleration. She’s at her best sitting 2–3 lengths off the pace and unleashing a devastating turn of foot. Prat fits her perfectly, and the rail draw ensures a ground‑saving trip. Brown has won this race multiple times, and this mare enters in peak form.
Win Threat: Very high Key Question: Does she get a clean lane turning for home?
Post 2 — Didia (ARG)
ML Odds: 4/1 Trainer: Ignacio Correas IV Jockey: Vincent Cheminaud Owner: Merriebelle Stable Running Style: Mid‑pack / closer
Recent Finishes
1st — GI Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (1 1/16m, GP, Firm)
2nd — GI Rodeo Drive (1 1/4m, SA, Firm)
1st — GII Yellow Ribbon (1 1/16m, DMR, Firm)
Analysis
One of the most consistent turf mares in America. Didia brings world‑class form, tactical versatility, and a relentless late kick. She’s proven at distances from 1 1/16 to 1 1/4 miles, making 1 3/16 a perfect fit. Cheminaud times her runs beautifully.
Win Threat: High Key Question: Can she outkick the Brown runners?
Post 3 — McKulick (GB)
ML Odds: 5/1 Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Owner: Klaravich Stables Running Style: Deep closer
Recent Finishes
3rd — GI Jenny Wiley (1 1/16m, KEE, Firm)
2nd — GII Hillsborough (1 1/8m, TAM, Firm)
1st — GI Flower Bowl (1 3/8m, SAR, Firm)
Analysis
A long‑winded European‑bred mare who thrives at longer distances. She’ll be flying late, and Irad is the best in the country at weaving through traffic on the turf. If the pace is honest, she becomes extremely dangerous.
Win Threat: Moderate‑High Key Question: Does she get enough pace to chase?
Post 4 — Sparkle Blue
ML Odds: 12/1 Trainer: Graham Motion Jockey: Joel Rosario Owner: Augustin Stable Running Style: Stalker
Recent Finishes
4th — GIII Modesty (1 1/8m, CD, Firm)
3rd — GIII Dowager (1 1/2m, KEE, Firm)
1st — GIII Valley View (1 1/16m, KEE, Firm)
Analysis
A classy mare who always shows up. She’s versatile, consistent, and gets Rosario, who excels with patient turf rides. She’s not quite as fast as the top three, but she’s a strong exotics contender.
Win Threat: Low‑Moderate Key Question: Can she stay close enough early?
Post 5 — Anisette (GB)
ML Odds: 7/2 Trainer: Leonard Powell Jockey: Umberto Rispoli Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners Running Style: Closer
Recent Finishes
1st — GI American Oaks (1 1/4m, SA, Firm)
1st — GII Rodeo Drive (1 1/4m, SA, Firm)
2nd — GII John C. Mabee (1 1/8m, DMR, Firm)
Analysis
A brilliant turf mare with a devastating late kick. She dominated the California circuit and now ships east for a major test. Rispoli is a master with closers, and the distance is perfect. If she handles the Saratoga inner turf, she could win this.
Win Threat: Very high Key Question: How does she adapt to NYRA turf?
Post 6 — Miss Yearwood
ML Odds: 15/1 Trainer: Ian Wilkes Jockey: Julien Leparoux Owner: Six Column Stables Running Style: Deep closer
Recent Finishes
5th — GIII Bewitch (1 1/2m, KEE, Firm)
3rd — GIII Orchid (1 1/2m, GP, Firm)
1st — Allowance (1 1/4m, CD, Fast Turf)
Analysis
A marathon‑type mare who prefers longer distances. She’ll be running late but may find the 1 3/16 miles a bit sharp. Leparoux will drop her back and hope for a meltdown.
Win Threat: Low Key Question: Is the distance too short?
Post 7 — Eternal Hope (IRE)
ML Odds: 10/1 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Owner: Godolphin Running Style: Tactical / stalking
Recent Finishes
2nd — GIII Orchid (1 1/2m, GP, Firm)
1st — GIII Jockey Club Oaks (1 3/8m, AQU, Firm)
5th — GI Belmont Oaks (1 1/4m, SAR, Firm)
Analysis
Appleby + Buick + Godolphin is a lethal combination in American turf racing. Eternal Hope is a classy European‑bred who excels at longer distances. She’ll sit mid‑pack and grind home. A major upset candidate.
Win Threat: Moderate Key Question: Can she quicken enough at 1 3/16 miles?
PACE PROJECTION
Likely Leader: Sparkle Blue Pressers: Eternal Hope, Surge Capacity Stalkers: Didia, Anisette Closers: McKulick, Miss Yearwood
Expected fractions: 24.2 – 49.3 – 1:13.8
A moderate, controlled pace favors tactical runners like Surge Capacity and Eternal Hope.
POWER RANKINGS (Projected)
Surge Capacity — Perfect trip, elite turn of foot
Anisette (GB) — Best closer in the field
Didia (ARG) — World‑class consistency
McKulick (GB) — Dangerous if pace heats up
Eternal Hope (IRE) — Live longshot
Sparkle Blue — Could hang on for a share
Miss Yearwood — Needs longer
