Saratoga Race 9 - Belmont Derby S. Stakes (G1)
WEST END KID (8) was successful last start over 1710m in the G3 Pennine Ridge Stakes at Saratoga Inner Turf (Turf), getting home by 1.3 lengths to make it three wins on the bounce. Winning rider Tyler Gaffalione retains the mount. Must raise the bar but this looks well within his grasp. REMEMBER MAMBA (3) is a winner of three from four and is unbeaten in three starts when resuming. Rates among the chances. TOUCH OF FIRE (10) went forward and proved too strong last time, scoring with 3 lengths to spare over 1811m in stakes class at Churchill Downs Turf (Turf). Has been in sound form this prep with three wins from four starts. Looks one of the prime contenders. PACIFIC AVENUE (6) is racing well, most recently finishing third six weeks ago over 1609m in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at Curragh. Best figures measure up and is sure to run well.

Jockey: Javier Castellano
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming won by a 0.3 len at Aqueduct Turf LR April 25 over 1609m defeating Instability with 54.5kg at $11.57. Last start sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 9 at Saratoga Inner Turf in the G3 Pennine Ridge Stakes on June 4 over 1710m, 1.3 len behind West End Kid with 55.5kg at $14.06. Improvement required to threaten in this field.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 04/06/2026 | 40 | G3 OPEN 3 | $418,410.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Javier Castellano | 55.5kg | 1:40.94 | 3-3-2 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $14.06 |
| 1/5 | 25/04/2026 | 70 | LR OPEN 3 | $218,341.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1609m | FM | Javier Castellano | 54.5kg | 1:40.21 | 1-2-1 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $11.57 |
| 7/8 | 14/02/2026 | 34 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $79,173.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1609m | FM | Samy Camacho | 53.5kg | 1:35.26 | 2-1-D3 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $4.40 |
| 7/9 | 11/01/2026 | 36 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $128,550.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | FM | Rajiv Maragh | 55.5kg | 1:40.50 | 9-8-7 | 9 |
| 9.5L | $13.30 |
| 2/10 | 06/12/2025 | 13 | ALLOW OCLM 2 | $84,992.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1609m | FM | Antonio A Gallardo | 55.5kg | 1:38.81 | 5-2-2 | 9 |
| 0.8L | $5.40 |
| 1/9 | 23/11/2025 | 56 | MDN 2 | $106,870.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | Fast | Emisael Jaramillo | 54.5kg | 1:43.93 | 3-1-1 | 2 |
| 1.8L | $9.00 |

Jockey: Manuel Franco
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after eight months 3rd of 9 at Saratoga Inner Turf in the G3 Pennine Ridge Stakes on June 4 over 1710m, 1.75 len behind West End Kid with 56kg at $7.03. Previously second-up ran on from midfield and won by a nose at Aqueduct Turf G2 Pilgrim Stakes October 3 over 1710m defeating Heeere's Johnny with 54.5kg at $2.24. Worth consideration.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 04/06/2026 | 216 | G3 OPEN 3 | $418,410.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Manuel Franco | 56kg | 1:40.94 | 5-5-3 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $7.03 |
| 9/14 | 31/10/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN CG 2 | $1,522,070.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Manuel Franco | 55.5kg | 1:34.93 | 8-8-9 | 12 |
| 7.4L | $16.80 |
| 1/10 | 03/10/2025 | 41 | G2 OPEN 2 | $305,810.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1710m | FM | Manuel Franco | 54.5kg | 1:42.63 | 4-3-1 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $2.24 |
| 1/6 | 23/08/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $155,039.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 54kg | 1:41.70 | 5-4-1 | 5 |
| 2.3L | $3.45 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Colt returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 13 at Churchill Downs Turf in the G1 American Turf Stakes May 2 over 1710m, 2.25 len behind Stark Contrast with 55.5kg at $4.71. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.5 len Keeneland Turf G3 Transylvania Stakes April 3 over 1710m defeating Honey Dutch carrying 53.5kg at $3.44. Likely to feature.
Last Starts 62 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/13 | 02/05/2026 | 29 | G1 OPEN 3 | $1,396,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 55.5kg | 1:40.31 | 11-4-2 | 11 |
| 2.3L | $4.71 |
| 1/11 | 03/04/2026 | 71 | G3 OPEN 3 | $873,362.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Good | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:44.49 | 10-5-1 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $3.44 |
| 1/7 | 22/01/2026 | 89 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $82,212.00 | Fairgrounds | 1609m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 54kg | 1:36.97 | 2-1-1 | 3 |
| 3.3L | $1.60 |
| 1/12 | 25/10/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $167,428.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 54kg | 1:49.97 | 2-1-1 | 3 |
| 4.5L | $2.76 |

Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 35-day let-up. At the latest run won by 2 len at Monmouth Park Turf LR May 30 over 1609m defeating Aces Honor carrying 52.5kg at $6.80. The start before that 5th of 12 at Keeneland Turf on April 10 over 1710m, 3.5 len behind Touch Of Fire with 54.5kg at $5.88. Doesn't rate well enough.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 30/05/2026 | 50 | LR OPEN 3 | $145,251.00 | Monmouth Park | 1609m | FM | Jose Lezcano | 52.5kg | 1:36.18 | 6-2-1 | 8 |
| 2.0L | $6.80 |
| 5/12 | 10/04/2026 | 54 | ALLOW 3 | $174,672.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Samuel Marin | 54.5kg | 1:43.20 | 1-5-5 | 3 |
| 3.5L | $5.88 |
| 1/8 | 15/02/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $78,459.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1710m | FM | Samuel Marin | 54kg | 1:44.78 | 3-1-1 | 7 |
| 2.8L | $2.70 |

Jockey: Dylan Davis
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 49-day let-up. Last start won by 0.5 len at Laurel Turf LR May 16 over 1609m defeating My Favorite Bird with 53.5kg at $5.20. The race before that 9th of 12 at Turfway Park in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks on March 21 over 1811m, 18 len behind Fulleffort with 56kg at $17.87. In winning form but this a tough assignment.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 16/05/2026 | 56 | LR OPEN 3 | $139,665.00 | Laurel Park | 1609m | FM | Jorge Ruiz | 53.5kg | 1:35.82 | 6-4-1 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $5.20 |
| 9/12 | 21/03/2026 | 49 | G3 OPEN 3 | $1,091,292.00 | Turfway Park | 1811m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 56kg | 1:49.94 | 1-8-9 | 1 |
| 18.8L | $17.87 |
| 6/7 | 31/01/2026 | 92 | LR OPEN 3 | $249,643.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:40.23 | 4-6-6 | 5 |
| 5.3L | $4.90 |
| 6/14 | 31/10/2025 | 26 | G1 OPEN CG 2 | $1,522,070.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:34.93 | 5-6-6 | 11 |
| 5.8L | $49.10 |
| 2/12 | 05/10/2025 | 38 | G2 OPEN 2 | $611,621.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | 1:42.51 | 6-2-2 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $13.01 |
| 1/11 | 28/08/2025 | 27 | MDN 2 | $263,566.00 | Kentucky | 1609m | FM | Lanfranco Dettori | 54kg | 1:35.90 | 6-3-1 | 11 |
| 0.5L | $3.17 |

Jockey: William Buick
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Comes off a 42 day let-up. At the latest run 3rd of 9 at Curragh in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas on May 23 over 1609m, 4 len behind Gstaad with 58kg at $41. The race before that 2nd in a small field at Goodwood on May 1 over 1609m, 0.8 len behind Protection Act carrying 60kg at $1.70. This is well within his grasp.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 23/05/2026 | 22 | G1 3 | $869,570.00 | Curragh | 1609m | Good | Jamie Spencer | 58kg | 1:35.69 | - | 5 |
| 4.0L | $41.00 |
| 2/4 | 01/05/2026 | 62 | OPEN 3 | $51,940.00 | Goodwood | 1609m | Good | Saffie Osborne | 60kg | 1:39.28 | - | 2 |
| 0.8L | $1.67 |
| 2/9 | 28/02/2026 | 14 | LR OPEN 3 | $306,513.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Good | Mickael Barzalona | 56kg | 1:36.31 | - | 3 |
| 1.1L | $8.50 |
| 3/10 | 14/02/2026 | 56 | QAG2 OPEN 3 | $570,613.00 | Doha | 1600m | Good | William Buick | 58kg | 1:35.56 | - | 4 |
| 0.4L | $1.00 |
| 1/8 | 20/12/2025 | 70 | OPEN 2 | $229,709.00 | Doha | 1600m | Good | William Buick | 58kg | 1:34.02 | - | 8 |
| 2.5L | $1.00 |
| 7/9 | 11/10/2025 | 14 | G1 OPEN 2 | $922,510.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 1408m | Good Firm | Rossa Ryan | 58.5kg | 1:23.39 | 2-2-7 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $34.00 |

Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 35-day let-up. Most recently 2nd of 8 at Churchill Downs Turf in LR on May 30 over 1811m, 3 len behind Touch Of Fire with 53.5kg at $10.60. The run before that ran on from midfield and won by 0.5 len at Churchill Downs April 26 over 2012m defeating Direct Strike with 53.5kg at $3.09. Others going much better heading into this one.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 30/05/2026 | 34 | LR OPEN 3 | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | 1:46.81 | 5-6-2 | 3 |
| 3.0L | $10.60 |
| 1/8 | 26/04/2026 | 36 | MDN 3U | $174,672.00 | Churchill Downs | 2012m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | 2:01.41 | 4-2-1 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $3.09 |
| 2/8 | 21/03/2026 | 35 | MDN 3 | $105,337.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | 1:43.29 | 8-3-2 | 8 |
| 0.5L | $6.70 |
| 4/11 | 14/02/2026 | 77 | MDN 3 | $92,725.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | D Cannon | 54.5kg | 1:43.22 | 8-4-4 | 7 |
| 10.8L | $15.20 |
| 6/12 | 29/11/2025 | 34 | MDN 2 | $183,206.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | 1:43.41 | 12-6-6 | 6 |
| 7.5L | $9.97 |
| 9/12 | 26/10/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $182,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | 1:10.22 | 11-9-9 | 11 |
| 11.8L | $21.57 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. Returns from a 30-day let-up. Last start favourite; won by 1.3 len at Saratoga Inner Turf G3 Pennine Ridge Stakes June 4 over 1710m defeating Blackmail carrying 54.5kg at $2.07. The race before that favourite; scored a big 4 len win at Churchill Downs Turf May 8 over 1710m defeating Zeus's Echo carrying 55.5kg at $3.54. Winning chance.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 04/06/2026 | 27 | G3 OPEN 3 | $418,410.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | 1:40.94 | 1-1-1 | 9 |
| 1.3L | $2.07 |
| 1/10 | 08/05/2026 | 27 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $177,374.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:40.66 | 1-1-1 | 10 |
| 3.8L | $3.54 |
| 1/9 | 11/04/2026 | 62 | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | 1:41.99 | 4-1-1 | 5 |
| 3.5L | $2.86 |
| 4/12 | 08/02/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $119,829.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | FM | John R Velazquez | 55.5kg | 1:34.24 | 7-9-4 | 8 |
| 1.3L | $20.90 |

Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 40-day let-up. Last start favourite; won by 1.3 len at Cologne G2 May 25 over 1600m defeating Shayem carrying 58kg at $3.30. Before that 5th of 8 at Newbury in the G3 Greenham Stakes on April 18 over 1408m, 2.5 len behind Alparslan carrying 58kg at $3.80. This is outside his grasp.
Last Starts 39 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 25/05/2026 | 37 | G2 OPEN 3 | $204,918.00 | Koln | 1600m | Good | Sean Levey | 58kg | 1:34.33 | - | 2 |
| 1.3L | $3.30 |
| 5/8 | 18/04/2026 | 49 | G3 OPEN C 3 | $181,490.00 | Newbury | 1408m | Good | James Doyle | 58kg | 1:24.92 | - | 1 |
| 2.5L | $3.75 |
| 1/9 | 28/02/2026 | 29 | LR OPEN 3 | $306,513.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Good | Ryan Moore | 56kg | 1:36.31 | - | 8 |
| 1.1L | $3.50 |
| 1/10 | 30/01/2026 | 28 | COND 3 | $203,252.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Good | James Doyle | 58kg | 1:38.72 | 4-4-1 | 10 |
| 1.3L | $2.30 |
| 3/14 | 02/01/2026 | 86 | COND 3 | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 1400m | Good | James Doyle | 58kg | 1:23.56 | 5-5-3 | 15 |
| 0.8L | $4.40 |
| 1/8 | 08/10/2025 | 145 | MDN 2 | $14,520.00 | Kempton Park | 1408m | NS | Oisin Murphy | 60.5kg | 1:26.96 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 4.0L | $1.36 |

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Chasing a hat-trick. Returns from a 35-day let-up. Most recently won by 3 len at Churchill Downs Turf LR May 30 over 1811m defeating Tiernanogue carrying 53.5kg at $1.94. The start before that won by a 0.3 len at Keeneland Turf April 10 over 1710m defeating Mendels Mate carrying 53.5kg at $2.11. Winning hope.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 30/05/2026 | 50 | LR OPEN 3 | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 1:46.81 | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 3.0L | $1.94 |
| 1/12 | 10/04/2026 | 41 | ALLOW 3 | $174,672.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 1:43.20 | 9-6-1 | 1 |
| 0.3L | $2.11 |
| 2/7 | 28/02/2026 | 51 | LR OPEN 3 | $140,449.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Marcelino Pedroza | 53.5kg | 1:44.03 | 1-2-2 | 4 |
| 1.3L | $1.40 |
| 1/9 | 08/01/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $80,717.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Marcelino Pedroza | 54.5kg | 1:43.85 | 2-1-1 | 9 |
| 7.0L | $5.10 |