Track: Saratoga (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Distance: 1½ miles (12 furlongs)
Surface: Inner Turf
Grade: I
Purse: $750,000
Post Time: 5:44 PM ET
Field Size: 9 runners
Winner’s Share: $450,000
Breeders’ Cup Turf berth: Yes
Top Contenders
Nations Pride (Post 5)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
Odds: 5/2
Form: 22: 11-3-2 – $3.7M+ earnings
Notes: Multiple Grade 1 winner in the U.S., Canada, and Germany. Tactical speed and elite class.
Far Bridge (Post 6)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Odds: 9/5 (Morning Line Favorite)
Notes: Defending Sword Dancer champion. Consistent turf form and top connections.
El Cordobes (Post 1)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Odds: 4/1
Notes: Group 1 winner at Newmarket. Lightly raced but improving. Carries less weight than in Europe.
Full Field Breakdown
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds | Notes |
| 1 | El Cordobes | Charlie Appleby | Flavien Prat | 4/1 | Group 1 winner, U.S. debut |
| 2 | Rebel Red | Cherie DeVaux | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 10/1 | Euro import, stakes winner |
| 3 | Vote No | Kelsey Danner | Kendrick Carmouche | 12/1 | Cape Henlopen winner, class test |
| 4 | Padiddle | Fernando Abreu | Ricardo Santana Jr | 20/1 | One career win, outsider |
| 5 | Nations Pride | Charlie Appleby | William Buick | 5/2 | Multiple G1 winner, top turf form |
| 6 | Far Bridge | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 9/5 | Defending champ, consistent closer |
| 7 | Grand Sonata | Todd Pletcher | Tyler Gaffalione | 6/1 | G3 winner, cross-entered in Arlington |
| 8 | Utah Beach | Christophe Clement | Jose Ortiz | 8/1 | Improving colt, strong late kick |
| 9 | Highland Chief | Graham Motion | Luis Saez | 15/1 | Veteran, needs firm turf |
Strategic Insights
Pace Scenario: Nations Pride and El Cordobes may press the pace. Far Bridge and Utah Beach will look to close late.
Track Bias: Saratoga’s inner turf favors tactical speed but closers can win with a well-timed move.
Trainer Trends: Appleby and Pletcher dominate turf stakes with international and U.S. runners.
Top Pick: Nations Pride
Value Play: El Cordobes
Longshot to Watch: Utah Beach
Suggested Bets:
Win: Nations Pride
Exacta Box: Nations Pride / El Cordobes
Trifecta: Nations Pride / El Cordobes / Far Bridge
