BET THE WHITNEY STAKES

WHITNEY STAKES FAST FACTS

The Whitney Stakes (G1) is coming up on Saturday, August 2 and features the best collection of older male dirt horses in the country including the last two Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winners in the form of White Abarrio (2023) and Sierra Leone (2024). To get you ready for the big day, NYRA Bets handicapper Matthew DeSantis shares some historical trends since 2000 that we have seen among Whitney winners.

Trainer Success

There are seven trainers with horses entered in this year’s running of the Whitney and quite a few have had previous success. Todd Pletcher, who has morning line favorite Fierceness this year, leads the way with four Whitney victories. Meanwhile, trainers Brad Cox (Highland Falls) and Steve Asmussen (Disarm) each possess a win in the Whitney. Trainer Chad Brown (Sierra Leone and Contrary Thinking) is still in search of his first Whitney triumph but should take solace from the fact last year’s winner, Arthur’s Ride, was trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and that was his first Whitney win.

Jockey Success

Of the 10 jockeys listed to ride on Saturday, only three have previously won this marquee race at Saratoga. Jockey John Velazquez, who will be aboard Fierceness on Saturday, has four career Whitney wins (2002, 2007, 2008, 2013). Not surprisingly, leading jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who rides White Abarrio, also has four Whitney victories (2018, 2020, 2022, 2023). Finally, Joel Roario, who is listed on Disarm, has won the race twice (2016, 2021). Jockey Flavien Prat, who set the Saratoga record for stakes wins last year, is riding Sierra Leone, but will be attempting to get his first victory in this race.

Winning Trip

Since 2000, there have only been two (8%) Whitney winners (Bullsbay and Honor Code) who have closed from more than 3 ½ lengths back at the half-mile mark to win the race. This is particularly noteworthy as second choice, Sierra Leone, has a late-running style and will be sitting toward the back of the field. Meanwhile, 40% (10 of 25) winners have been leading at the half-mile mark, while the majority of winners (52%) have tracked within 3 ½ lengths of the pace after four furlongs. On Saturday, expect a strong pace, but several favorites such as Fierceness and White Abarrio will be sitting the tracking trip compared to Sierra Leone and Post Time who will be closing from the rear.

Previous Success

Much has been made about the fact Sierra Leone is 0-3 over the track at Saratoga entering Saturday’s Whitney Stakes. However, historically, previous success over the track at The Spa is not a prerequisite for winning as 60% of Whitney winners had never won over the track prior to their victory in the marquee race. That said, Fierceness, White Abarrio, Disarm, and Highland Falls are the only horses to have previously won at Saratoga who are entered to race on Saturday.

However, coming into the race in good form is slightly more important as 68% (17-25) over Whitney winners won their previous start. From this year’s group, Mindframe, Skippylongstocking, Highland Falls, Contrary Thinking, and Post Time are coming off last out victories. However, only Skippylongstocking and Post Time scored wins over stakes company in their last start.

Attempting to Make History

White Abarrio, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., is seeking to win the Whitney for the second time in his career after capturing the race in 2023. If he were to win, he would be the first horse since Nick Zito’s runner Commentator (2005, 2008) did it 17 years ago.

History of the Whitney Stakes

The Whitney Stakes was first run in 1928 and is named after the legendary Whitney family, whose influence on the Thoroughbred bred and racing product has impacted generations. Whitney-owned horses have won every major race in the United States including multiple wins at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Prior to 1954, the Whitney was run at 1 ¼ miles as a weight-for-age event, and from 1957-69 it was restricted to 4-year-olds and up. Beginning in 1955 it was run at its current distance of 1 1/8 miles. It returned to a weight-for-age event for the 2014 edition.

Notable winners of the Whitney Stakes include champions Kelso, Dr. Fager, Discovery, Personal Ensign and Lady's Secret.

Fans can watch and bet on the race using the official app of Saratoga Race Course, NYRA Bets. As the official betting app of the New York Racing Association, NYRA Bets provides a safe and convenient way to wager on the race from anywhere in the country.

Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or a newcomer to the sport, the Whitney Stakes is a must-see event. From the horses getting ready in the paddock to the thrill of the final stretch run, it's a race you don't want to miss. Don't miss your chance to bet on the Whitney Stakes and witness history in the making!