Race Overview
Race: Albany Stakes (Race 9)
Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 5:44 PM ET
Track: Saratoga Race Course
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $200,000
Field: 6 runners
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
King’s Leap
Pedigree: King for a Day × Mine as Well (by Mineshaft)
Trainer: M. Anthony Ferraro
Jockey: Luis E. Perez
Owner/Breeder: TLC Thoroughbreds LLC
Form: 1231
Rating: 91
Notes: Gelding with solid tactical speed and a win over 1 mile. Stretching out to 9 furlongs could test his stamina. Pedigree suggests mid-distance capability.
Just Licorice
Pedigree: Justify × Maria’s Candy (by Candy Ride)
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Owner/Breeder: Flying P Stable / Pine Ridge Stables LTD
Form: 3315
Rating: 85
Notes: Colt with a flashy pedigree but inconsistent form. Needs a pace setup and clean trip to contend. Maker’s barn excels in turning horses around.
Sky Masterson
Pedigree: The Factor × Kitty Maddnes (by Courageous Cat)
Trainer: Gary C. Contessa
Jockey: Katie Davis
Owner/Breeder: Grant, Can Do Racing, Marsh & Maher
Form: 3389
Rating: 89
Notes: Longshot with modest speed figures. May be overmatched at this level. Pedigree leans sprint/mile.
Iron Dome
Pedigree: Into Mischief × Speightful Affair (by Speightstown)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Owner/Breeder: L and N Racing LLC / Chester Broman
Form: 3311
Rating: 95
Notes: Stakes winner with elite pedigree and top connections. Has tactical speed and proven stamina. Major threat to the favorite.
Train the Trainer
Pedigree: Dialed In × Heavenly Vision (by Forestry)
Trainer: Rob Atras
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Owner/Breeder: Alipony Racing / Saints or Sinners / Hibiscus Stables
Form: 2111
Rating: 102
Notes: Headliner of the field. Comes in on a three-race win streak including a stakes victory at Finger Lakes. Versatile, fast, and bred for distance. The one to beat.
Hit the Post
Pedigree: Kantharos × Memento d’Oro (by Medaglia d’Oro)
Trainer: Melanie Giddings
Jockey: Christopher Elliott
Owner/Breeder: Old Tavern Farm LLC
Form: 7-12
Rating: 88
Notes: Runner-up to Train the Trainer last out. Has upside but needs to improve to reverse the result. Pedigree suggests late kick.
Top Pick: Train the Trainer
With Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard and a dominant win streak, this gelding looks poised to extend his form. His pedigree and running style suit the 9-furlong trip perfectly.
Value Play: Iron Dome
Into Mischief colt with stakes credentials and Jose Ortiz in the irons. Could press the pace and challenge late.
Suggested Wagers
Win: Train the Trainer
Exacta Box: Train the Trainer / Iron Dome / Hit the Post
Trifecta: Train the Trainer over Iron Dome and Just Licorice
