The Grade I Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes, a crown jewel of the NYRA Turf Triple Series, returns as Race 9 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course. This $750,000 turf test over 1 3/16 miles is restricted to 3-year-olds, attracting a global cast of elite turf runners, including European invaders, American Grade I winners, and pedigrees built for distance and class.
Race Details
Race: Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T)
Track: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 4:28 PM ET
Distance: 1 3/16 miles (Turf)
Purse: $750,000
Conditions: 3-Year-Olds Only
Series: Leg 2 of NYRA Turf Triple Series
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) | ML Odds |
| 1 | Capitol Hill | John Velazquez | William Mott | Into Mischief | Meadowsweet (Smart Strike) | 15/1 |
| 2 | Juwelier (IRE) | Umberto Rispoli | Alessandro Botti | Wootton Bassett (GB) | Gravitee (FR) | 20/1 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | Flavien Prat | Brad Cox | Not This Time | Pachinko (Street Cry) | 6/1 |
| 4 | Tiztastic | Joel Rosario | Steven Asmussen | Tiz the Law | Keesha (Empire Maker) | 15/1 |
| 5 | Test Score | Manuel Franco | Graham Motion | Lookin At Lucky | Joy of Learning (Galileo) | 7/2 |
| 6 | New Century (GB) | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Brendan Walsh | Kameko | Potent Embrace (Dansili) | 5/1 |
| 7 | Hotazhell (GB) | Shane Foley | Jessica Harrington | Too Darn Hot (GB) | Azenzar (GB) | 7/5 |
| 8 | Tiberius Thunder (IRE) | Lanfranco Dettori | Adrian Murray | Night of Thunder (IRE) | Ellthea (IRE) | 15/1 |
| 9 | World Beater | Jaime Torres | Riley Mott | Oscar Performance | Dabinett (Dynaformer) | 10/1 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Hotazhell (GB) (ML: 7/5)
Trainer: Jessica Harrington
Jockey: Shane Foley
Pedigree: By Too Darn Hot, out of Azenzar
Form: 6 wins from 10 starts, Group 2 winner in Europe
Edge: Tactical speed, proven class, international experience
Note: European invader with strong form at 10 furlongs
Test Score (ML: 7/2)
Trainer: Graham Motion
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Pedigree: By Lookin At Lucky, out of Joy of Learning (Galileo)
Form: Winner of G1 Belmont Derby last out
Edge: Strong late kick, versatile style, top connections
Note: Homebred for Amerman Racing, peaking at the right time
New Century (GB) (ML: 5/1)
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: By Kameko, out of Potent Embrace (Dansili)
Form: Group-placed in UK, solid U.S. debut
Edge: Strong pedigree for distance, improving form
Note: Qatar Racing colt with upside
Pedigree Insights
Too Darn Hot (Hotazhell): Champion juvenile in Europe, known for producing classy turf milers.
Lookin At Lucky (Test Score): Versatile sire with stamina and turf adaptability.
Kameko (New Century): 2000 Guineas winner, adds speed and class.
Not This Time, Into Mischief, and Oscar Performance: All contribute elite turf and dirt versatility.
Final Thoughts
The Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes sets up as a transatlantic turf clash between Hotazhell, the European standout with class and speed, and Test Score, the Belmont Derby hero with a powerful closing kick. New Century and Final Gambit offer tactical alternatives, while World Beater and Tiberius Thunder bring depth to a competitive field.
