Tag Archives: graded stakes

San Juan Capistrano Stakes 2026 Preview

By Jarrod Horak Santa Anita’s closing-weekend feature is Sunday’s Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes, a $100,000 turf marathon contested at the demanding distance of 1 3/4 miles. The race attracted a field of ten older horses. The race serves as a true test of stamina, and with several entrants stepping into unfamiliar territory distance-wise, […]

Belmont Racing Festival Stakes Preview – June 4

By Jarrod Horak The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continues at Saratoga on Thursday with a pair of graded turf stakes drawing competitive fields. Using the past performances and numbers from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve analyzed each event and identified top contenders and live longshots. Race 8: Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes $250,000 | Fillies & Mares, […]

Santa Anita Park Memorial Day Stakes Picks

By Jarrod Horak Memorial Day racing at Santa Anita Park features three graded stakes races, including the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup, the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes, and the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile. I’m using data from the Complete Digest from Today’s Racing Digest to break down the key contenders, pace scenarios, and betting opportunities on […]

Oaklawn Handicap 2026 Analysis & Picks

By Jarrod Horak The Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap headlines the Saturday, April 18 card as Race 11, offering a $1.25 million purse for older horses going 1 1/8 miles on the main track. This is a fascinating matchup between elite older runners and top-class four-year-olds returning from layoffs. I’m approaching this race as a classic […]