Venue: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Surface: Dirt (7 Furlongs)
Purse: $200,000 (Winner: $126,000)
Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
Race Overview
The Mike Lee Stakes at Saratoga Race Course is a prestigious sprint for New York-bred three-year-olds, featuring a competitive field of seven contenders battling over seven furlongs on dirt. With a strong lineup of emerging talent, this race promises high-speed action and strategic jockeying.
Field & Key Contenders
| Horse | Age | Trainer | Jockey | Official Rating | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soontobeking | 3 | George Weaver | Eric Cancel | 96 | 1312 |
| Calling Card | 3 | Michael Maker | Jose Ortiz | 92 | 8706 |
| Prince Valiant | 3 | Todd Pletcher | Dylan Davis | 103 | -111 |
| Smilensaycheese | 3 | Michael Maker | Luis Saez | 95 | 43-4 |
| Train the Trainer | 3 | Rob Atras | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 102 | 21 |
| Mo Plex | 3 | Jeremiah Englehart | Manuel Franco | 101 | 2-31 |
| First Pitch | 3 | Jose Jimenez | Ricardo Santana Jr. | 49 | 0919 |
Horse Profiles & Pedigree Analysis
- Soontobeking (USA) – A consistent front-runner, Soontobeking has shown strong early speed, winning the Gander Stakes earlier this season. Sired by King for a Day, he boasts elite acceleration and stamina.
- Prince Valiant (USA) – A dominant sprinter, Prince Valiant has won three consecutive races, including a three-length victory over Soontobeking at Aqueduct. His pedigree traces back to D’ Funnybone, known for producing explosive sprinters.
- Train the Trainer (USA) – A late closer, Train the Trainer thrives in fast-paced races, often making powerful stretch runs. He is a son of Dialed In, inheriting stamina and finishing ability.
- Mo Plex (USA) – A progressive colt, Mo Plex has shown steady improvement, winning his last outing with a strong closing kick. His sire, Complexity, is renowned for speed and endurance.
- Smilensaycheese (USA) – A seasoned competitor, Smilensaycheese has a proven track record but struggled in his last race. His pedigree includes Solomini, known for producing elite dirt runners.
- Calling Card (USA) – A dominant gelding, Calling Card has won two of his last four races, showcasing exceptional durability and tactical speed. Sired by Complexity, he possesses elite stamina.
- First Pitch (USA) – A rising talent, First Pitch has won one of his last four races, proving his explosive speed. His sire, Improbable, is known for producing high-class sprinters.
Jockey & Trainer Insights
- Eric Cancel (Soontobeking) – One of Saratoga’s top jockeys, Cancel has a high win percentage in sprint races.
- Jose Ortiz (Calling Card) – A tactically sharp rider, Ortiz excels in positioning his mounts for late surges.
- Irad Ortiz Jr. (Train the Trainer) – A patient jockey, Ortiz Jr. is known for timing his finishes perfectly.
- Todd Pletcher (Trainer of Prince Valiant) – A dominant force in sprint training, Pletcher’s horses consistently perform at elite levels.
- Michael Maker (Trainer of Smilensaycheese & Calling Card) – A seasoned trainer, Maker has guided multiple stakes winners at Saratoga.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Prince Valiant is expected to set the pace, utilizing his early speed to control the race.
- Soontobeking and Train the Trainer will likely stalk the leaders, waiting for an opening in the stretch.
- Mo Plex could challenge late, relying on his explosive finishing ability.
- Smilensaycheese and Calling Card may struggle against faster competition, but could capitalize on a pace collapse.
Predicted Finish:
- Prince Valiant 🏆
- Train the Trainer
- Soontobeking
How to Watch & Follow
Fans can catch the action live on TVG and FanDuel Racing. For real-time updates, follow @SaratogaRacing on social media.
