The Grade I Whitney Stakes, one of the most prestigious races for older dirt horses in North America, anchors Race 11 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course. With a $1 million purse and a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this 1 1/8-mile dirt showdown features a star-studded field of champions, millionaires, and Grade I winners.
Race Details
Race: Whitney Stakes (G1)
Track: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 5:41 PM ET
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt)
Purse: $1,000,000
Conditions: 4-Year-Olds and Up
Breeders’ Cup Implication: “Win and You’re In” for the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | ML Odds |
| 1 | Mindframe (SCR) | Jose Gomez | Todd Pletcher | Constitution | 5-2 |
| 2 | Skippylongstocking | Jose Ortiz | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Exaggerator | 10-1 |
| 3 | Highland Falls | Luis Saez | Brad Cox | Curlin | 8-1 |
| 4 | Mama’s Gold | Romero Maragh | James Ferraro | Bolt d’Oro | 50-1 |
| 5 | Sierra Leone | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | Gun Runner | 2-1 |
| 6 | Disarm | Joel Rosario | Steve Asmussen | Gun Runner | 15-1 |
| 7 | White Abarrio | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Race Day | 4-1 |
| 8 | Contrary Thinking | Dylan Davis | Chad Brown | Into Mischief | 50-1 |
| 9 | Fierceness | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | City of Light | 9-5 |
| 10 | Post Time | Sheldon Russell | Brittany Russell | Frosted | 12-1 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Fierceness (ML: 9-5)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: By City of Light, out of Nonna Bella
Form: Winner of the Travers (G1), Jim Dandy (G2), and Florida Derby (G1)
Edge: 3-for-4 at Saratoga, tactical speed, elite class
Note: Rebounded from Met Mile loss; drawn perfectly outside the speed
Sierra Leone (ML: 2-1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: By Gun Runner, out of Heavenly Love
Form: Winner of Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Blue Grass (G1); 2nd in Kentucky Derby
Edge: Relentless closer, consistent top-three finishes
Note: Yet to win at Saratoga, but gets ideal pace setup
White Abarrio (ML: 4-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: By Race Day, out of Catching Diamonds
Form: Winner of 2023 Whitney and Breeders’ Cup Classic
Edge: Big-race experience, tactical versatility
Note: Needs rebound after Met Mile fourth
Pedigree Insights
City of Light (Fierceness): Sire of elite dirt routers with speed and stamina.
Gun Runner (Sierra Leone, Disarm): Sire of champions; excels at 9 furlongs.
Race Day (White Abarrio): Speed-oriented sire with proven Grade I success.
Curlin (Highland Falls): Classic stamina and Saratoga success.
Into Mischief (Contrary Thinking): Leading sire, but better suited for shorter distances.
Final Thoughts
The Whitney Stakes sets up as a tactical battle between Fierceness, the Saratoga specialist with explosive speed, and Sierra Leone, the relentless closer with championship credentials. White Abarrio adds depth with proven class, while Highland Falls and Post Time offer value underneath. Expect a fast early pace and a thrilling stretch duel in this pivotal Breeders’ Cup prep.
