The Spendthrift Farm Sir Barton Stakes, named after the first horse to win what became the Triple Crown, is a $100,000 stakes race for three-year-olds who have not won an open sweepstakes. This race often serves as a stepping stone for developing colts looking to break into graded stakes company.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Crudo (Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher | Jockey: John R. Velazquez)
- Pedigree: Justify – Blossomed
- Morning Line Odds: 5/2
- Analysis: A well-bred colt with strong connections. Pletcher and Velazquez are a formidable duo, and Crudo has shown promise in his early career.
2. Bestfriend Rocket (Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas | Jockey: Nik Juarez)
- Pedigree: Curlin – Noble and a Beauty
- Morning Line Odds: 15/1
- Analysis: A longshot with potential upside. Lukas has a history of developing late-blooming runners, and this colt could surprise with the right setup.
3. Bear Claw Necklace (Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- Pedigree: Lord Nelson – Goldrush Girl
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
- Analysis: A lightly raced colt with a strong pedigree. Needs to prove he can handle the step up in class.
4. Mr. Bogan (Trainer: Josue Arce | Jockey: Mychel J. Sanchez)
- Pedigree: Maximum Security – Mischievious Lass
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
- Analysis: A gelding with tactical speed. Could be a factor if he gets a clean trip.
5. Bold Diversion (Trainer: Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon | Jockey: Forest Boyce)
- Pedigree: Blofeld – Diva Meg
- Morning Line Odds: 30/1
- Analysis: A deep closer who will need a strong pace upfront to make an impact late.
6. Invictus (Trainer: Brad H. Cox | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
- Pedigree: Into Mischief – Serengeti Empress
- Morning Line Odds: 9/5
- Analysis: The likely favorite, Invictus is a high-priced colt with elite breeding. Making his stakes debut, he will be trying two turns for the first time.
7. Hymn (Trainer: Ron Moquett | Jockey: Luis Saez)
- Pedigree: McKinzie – Salt Bae
- Morning Line Odds: 4/1
- Analysis: A strong contender with tactical speed. Could be a major player with a well-timed move.
8. Authentic Gallop (Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss | Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche)
- Pedigree: Authentic – Galloping Ami
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Analysis: A well-bred colt with solid credentials. Needs to prove he can handle the class jump.
9. Just a Fair Shake (Trainer: Daniel J. McKenzie | Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez)
- Pedigree: Laoban – Ladymidtown
- Morning Line Odds: 6/1
- Analysis: A consistent performer with strong sprinting ability. Could be a factor with a well-timed move.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a moderate pace, with Invictus and Hymn likely to sit near the front.
- Key Contenders: Invictus is the horse to beat, but Crudo and Hymn could pose a challenge.
- Potential Longshot: Bestfriend Rocket has shown promise and could surprise with a well-timed move.
