The Grade II Saratoga Special Stakes, one of the premier juvenile dirt sprints of the summer, unfolds as Race 3 at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 2, 2025. With a $200,000 purse, this 6½-furlong dirt sprint for 2-year-old colts features a field of six rising stars, including stakes winners, explosive maiden breakers, and pedigrees built for speed and class.
Race Details
Race: Saratoga Special Stakes (G2)
Track: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 1:09 PM ET
Distance: 6½ furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $200,000
Conditions: 2-Year-Old Colts
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) | ML Odds |
| 1 | Ewing | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Mark E. Casse | Knicks Go | Sassy Ali Joy (Indian Charlie) | 8/5 |
| 2 | Comport | Luis Saez | Eddie Kenneally | Collected | Bartlett Narrows (Distorted Humor) | 8/1 |
| 3 | Thunder Chuck | Madison Olver | Jorge Delgado | Good Magic | I’ll Take the Cake (Nobiz Like Shobiz) | 30/1 |
| 4 | Dazzle d’Oro | Jose L. Ortiz | Thomas M. Amoss | Bolt d’Oro | Sunnysammi (Speightstown) | 5/2 |
| 5 | Camigol | Jose Lezcano | Antonio Sano | Neolithic | Daddy’s Pride (Scat Daddy) | 20/1 |
| 6 | Obliteration | Flavien Prat | Steven M. Asmussen | Violence | I’mclassyandsassy (Unbridled’s Song) | 7/5 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Obliteration (ML: 7/5)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: By Violence, out of I’mclassyandsassy (Unbridled’s Song)
Form: Dominant 10½-length winner of the G3 Sanford Stakes
Edge: Tactical speed, elite connections, undefeated in two starts
Ewing (ML: 8/5)
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: By Knicks Go, out of Sassy Ali Joy (Indian Charlie)
Form: Explosive debut winner at Churchill Downs
Edge: High cruising speed, top rider, strong pedigree
Dazzle d’Oro (ML: 5/2)
Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Pedigree: By Bolt d’Oro, out of Sunnysammi (Speightstown)
Form: Sharp maiden winner with 105 speed figure
Edge: Stakes-caliber pedigree, improving form
Pedigree Insights
Violence: Sire of Obliteration; known for producing precocious juveniles with speed and stamina.
Knicks Go: Ewing’s sire; Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, adds brilliance and durability.
Bolt d’Oro: Dazzle d’Oro’s sire; elite juvenile influence with turf/dirt versatility.
Collected & Good Magic: Represent stamina and class; Comport and Thunder Chuck bring upside potential.
Final Thoughts
The Saratoga Special Stakes sets up as a high-speed duel between Obliteration, the Sanford winner with elite credentials, and Ewing, the flashy debut winner with raw talent. Dazzle d’Oro adds depth with a stakes-ready pedigree, while Comport and Camigol offer longshot value. Expect a fast pace and a stretch battle in this pivotal juvenile test.
