HorseCenter: Whitney Stakes and Saratoga Derby top picks

By Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman
Photo:

This week on HorseCenter, Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman analyze and offer top picks for another big Saturday at Saratoga with a full field in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes and 3-year-old turf horses in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby (G1).

National Treasure will be a heavy favorite in the Whitney, which drew a field of 12 horses in the older male dirt division. National Treasure, who is the top-ranked Thoroughbred in the country, will be challenged by Bright Future and a field filled with graded-stakes winners.

Earlier in the card the Saratoga Derby features a pair of European 3-year-old turf runners who will be the favorites. Top trainer Charlie Appleby has Legend of Time in the race, and Aidan O’Brien entered Diego Velazquez to make his first start in America.

Enjoy the Saturday racing at Saratoga. Be sure to check back at Horse Racing Nation for results. As always, thanks for watching the show.

Read More

Delaware Derby winner Admiral Dennis sets sail on second half
The calendar may not be quite there yet but the unofficial second half of the racing season has...
Belmont Park barn placed under quarantine
The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission placed Barn 28 at Belmont Park...
San Juan Capistrano fair odds: Thomas trains a tough pair
With trainer Jonathan Thomas entering a pair of horses in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano on Sunday at...
Fondly cruises to Delaware Oaks victory
Virginia Oaks winner Fondly cruised to front-running victory in the Grade 3 Delaware Oaks at Delaware Park. Eclipse...
Churchill Downs: Vahva goes for a repeat in Chicago Stakes
Grade 1 winner Vahva is back at Churchill Downs to attempt a repeat in the 35th running of...