By Jarrod Horak
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course, and the card features three competitive New York-bred stakes races. Using the past performances and proprietary ratings from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve analyzed each event and identified my top selections.
The races covered include the Kingston Stakes (Race 4), Mike Lee Stakes (Race 8), and Commentator Stakes (Race 9). Here is a closer look at each race and the horses that stand out.
Race 4: Kingston Stakes
$200,000 | New York-breds | 1 1/16 Miles (Inner Turf)
The Kingston Stakes brings together a mix of proven New York-bred turf performers, highlighted by multiple graded stakes winner Spirit of St. Louis and the improving George Briggs.
Key Contenders
George Briggs
Trainer Miguel Clement appears to have this horse moving in the right direction. In his first start for the barn, George Briggs stalked the pace and scored a convincing optional claiming victory at Aqueduct. His Today’s Racing Digest CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) figures of 127, 138, and 137 in his last three starts are the strongest recent numbers in the field.
George Briggs possesses an ideal turf-running style. He can stay within striking range of the pace while conserving energy before unleashing a strong finishing kick. That combination often proves successful in Saratoga turf races.
Mi Bago
The likely pacesetter enters off a series of open stakes appearances and drops into New York-bred company. Trainer Mark Casse removes the blinkers, a move that has historically produced positive results for his stable. If Jose Ortiz is able to control the pace on the front end, Mi Bago could prove difficult to reel in.
Spirit of St. Louis
A two-time Grade 1 winner, Spirit of St. Louis owns the strongest resume in the field. While he may not be quite as sharp as he was during his 2025 campaign, he showed signs of life when finishing second in his most recent start. His class and proven ability against New York-bred competition make him impossible to ignore.
Race 8: Mike Lee Stakes
$200,000 | New York-bred 3-Year-Olds | 7 Furlongs
The Mike Lee Stakes features an intriguing pace scenario with several speed horses entered, creating the potential for a contested early battle.
Key Contenders
Time to Roll
This Horacio De Paz trainee appears to be peaking at the right time. He enters off consecutive runner-up finishes against open stakes company, including a strong effort in the Bay Shore Stakes.
The addition of blinkers in his most recent start produced a career-best 134 final-time rating, and his improving figures suggest there may still be upside. Time to Roll has enough tactical speed to stay involved early while avoiding the intense pace pressure expected among the front-runners.
Bravaro
The class dropper exits graded stakes company after competing on the Kentucky Derby trail. His previous victories against New York-breds demonstrate that he fits this level very well. The outside post should allow him to work out a clean trip while tracking the speed.
Arctic Beast
A perfect four-for-four against New York-bred competition, Arctic Beast deserves respect. His prior Saratoga success and ability to sit just off the pace make him a logical contender.
Race 9: Commentator Stakes
$200,000 | New York-breds | 1 1/8 Miles
The Commentator Stakes closes out the featured action and presents a compelling matchup between established older runners and an emerging four-year-old.
Iron Dome
Few horses in this field can match Iron Dome’s affinity for Saratoga. Last summer, he dominated three consecutive races at the Spa, winning by margins of 10 lengths, 11 lengths, and nearly 7 lengths. All three victories came at Wednesday’s 1 1/8-mile distance.
After ending his three-year-old season with a pair of stakes appearances, Iron Dome returned from a layoff with an encouraging runner-up finish in an Oaklawn allowance race. That effort should serve as the perfect prep for this assignment.
His recent bullet workout at Saratoga and reunion with Jose Ortiz add further confidence.
Bank Frenzy
Last year’s Commentator Stakes winner clearly has the credentials to repeat. The primary question is whether he is fully cranked for a demanding 1 1/8-mile race in his first start since December.
Wynstock
A poor effort in the slop last time can likely be forgiven. Prior to that race, he posted impressive victories at this distance and owns figures that stack up favorably against this group.