Saratoga Race 9 - Alfred G. Vanderbilt S. Stakes
BUILT (8) was handy on straightening and went on to finish second last start over 1308m in the G3 BANGO (Kelly's Landing) STAKES at Churchill Downs (Dirt), beaten half a length as favourite. Stepping up a level this time but on his best form he is one of the key runners. HYMN (6) lifted strongly to score last time with 5.5 lengths to spare over 1207m in Listed grade at Laurel (Dirt), making it three in a row. Should park just off the speed. Among the leading chances. JUST BEAT THE ODDS (4) resumed last time out and finished third over 1207m at Delaware Park, beaten 2 lengths. Well placed and likely to feature. CRAZY MASON (2) ran sixth at his latest appearance over 1609m at Churchill Downs, clocking in 5.5 lengths from the winner. Generally goes well here with a win and two minor placings from three tries. Profiles to run well.

Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign post a big 5.5 len win. Gulfstream Park LR April 25 over 1308m defeating Classic Of Course carrying 57kg at $1.70. Previous preparation first-up won by 2.5 len Gulfstream Park LR January 17 over 1207m defeating Big Paradise carrying 56.5kg at $1.30. Returns in a winnable race.
Last Starts 90 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 | 25/04/2026 | 27 | LR OPEN 4U | $145,560.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1308m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 57kg | 1:15.32 | 1-1-1 | 7 |
| 5.5L | $1.70 |
| 1/6 | 29/03/2026 | 36 | LR OPEN 4U | $154,494.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1207m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:08.88 | 1-2-1 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $1.60 |
| 2/8 | 21/02/2026 | 35 | LR OPEN 4U | $178,317.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1207m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:10.47 | 8-3-2 | 6 |
| 3.0L | $1.70 |
| 1/6 | 17/01/2026 | 76 | LR OPEN 4U | $112,108.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1207m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56.5kg | 1:09.29 | 1-1-1 | 1 |
| 2.5L | $1.30 |
| 1/8 | 02/11/2025 | 43 | G3 OPEN 3U | $267,176.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:09.67 | 3-2-1 | 8 |
| 0.5L | $4.50 |
| 4/9 | 20/09/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN 4U | $229,358.00 | Parx | 1308m | Fast | Luis Saez | 56kg | 1:15.41 | 2-2-4 | 9 |
| 1.8L | $6.10 |

Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently 6th of 10 at Churchill Downs in the G3 HANSHIN STAKES on June 28 over 1609m, 5.5 len behind Nu What's New with 53.5kg at $9.38. The start before that made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 11 at Churchill Downs in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes on May 2 over 1408m, 5 len behind T O Elvis with 56kg at $29. Watch for a big final furlong.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 28/06/2026 | 57 | G3 OPEN 4U | $418,410.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:34.06 | 9-8-6 | 7 |
| 5.4L | $9.38 |
| 3/11 | 02/05/2026 | 28 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,396,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 56kg | 1:20.49 | 5-7-3 | 9 |
| 5.3L | $29.00 |
| 2/6 | 04/04/2026 | 119 | G3 OPEN 4U | $509,461.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 1:22.56 | 4-4-2 | 1 |
| 2.8L | $3.49 |
| 3/6 | 06/12/2025 | 70 | G2 OPEN 3U | $765,697.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1609m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 56kg | 1:34.62 | 5-5-3 | 3 |
| 4.5L | $4.01 |
| 2/8 | 27/09/2025 | 35 | G3 OPEN 3U | $305,810.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1408m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 56.5kg | 1:21.84 | 8-6-2 | 8 |
| 1.5L | $4.35 |
| 3/10 | 23/08/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN 4U | $775,194.00 | Saratoga | 1408m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 55.5kg | 1:22.43 | 10-6-3 | 5 |
| 1.8L | $17.00 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after 10 months came from midfield and won by 2.25 len at Horseshoe Indianapolis July 6 over 1207m defeating Hawkeye with 55.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up won by 5 len at Keeneland April 19 2025 over 1308m defeating Two Eagles River carrying 53.5kg at $3.57. Facing a tougher challenge.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 06/07/2026 | 297 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,250.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 1:08.35 | 3-1-1 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $3.50 |
| 1/7 | 12/09/2025 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $215,596.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Luis Saez | 56kg | 1:15.21 | 6-3-1 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $4.94 |
| 1/6 | 23/08/2025 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $161,240.00 | Ellis Park | 1308m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:16.22 | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $1.66 |
| 4/10 | 02/08/2025 | 51 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $161,240.00 | Ellis Park | 1207m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:09.49 | 8-8-4 | 8 |
| 3.6L | $2.98 |
| 5/8 | 12/06/2025 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $208,398.00 | Churchill Downs | 1509m | Fast | Cristian Mauricio Torres | 56kg | 1:27.91 | 8-6-5 | 3 |
| 4.8L | $3.49 |
| 2/9 | 23/05/2025 | 22 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $209,375.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:08.29 | 8-4-2 | 8 |
| 0.1L | $2.41 |

Jockey: Manuel Franco
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Not raced for 42 days. Last start 3rd of 7 at Delaware Park in LR on June 13 over 1207m, 2 len behind Quint's Brew carrying 55.5kg at $3. At only start last preparation 2nd of 13 at Riyadh Dirt in the SAUG2 SAUG2 RIYADH DIRT SPRINT on February 14 over 1200m, 0.8 len behind Imagination with 57kg at $13. Improver with winning prospects.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 13/06/2026 | 119 | LR OPEN 3U | $139,470.00 | Delaware Park | 1207m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 55.5kg | 1:10.08 | 5-2-3 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $3.00 |
| 2/13 | 14/02/2026 | 70 | SAUG2 OPEN 3U | $749,064.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1200m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 57kg | 1:12.00 | - | 11 |
| 0.8L | $13.00 |
| 1/5 | 06/12/2025 | 238 | G3 OPEN 3U | $382,848.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 54.5kg | 1:09.99 | 3-1-1 | 4 |
| 2.8L | $2.47 |
| 2/5 | 12/04/2025 | 34 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $137,380.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | SP | Florent Geroux | 56kg | 1:09.27 | 1-2-2 | 4 |
| 0.3L | $1.90 |
| 1/6 | 09/03/2025 | 329 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $134,831.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1308m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 55kg | 1:16.65 | 2-1-1 | 4 |
| 6.0L | $3.00 |
| 1/6 | 14/04/2024 | 39 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $82,949.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1308m | Fast | Samuel Camacho Jr | 53.5kg | 1:15.62 | 4-1-1 | 2 |
| 5.5L | $1.40 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last campaign seventh of 9 at Tampa Bay Downs November 28 over 1207m, 6 len behind El Principito with 54.5kg at $2.90. First up last campaign fifth of 8 at Aqueduct in the G3 Bold Ruler Handicap November 2 over 1207m, 5 len behind Damon's Mound carrying 56kg at $7.46. Others have firmer winning claims.
Last Starts 238 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 28/11/2025 | 26 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $86,260.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1207m | Fast | Samuel Marin | 54.5kg | 1:09.50 | 7-7-7 | 7 |
| 6.3L | $2.90 |
| 5/8 | 02/11/2025 | 148 | G3 OPEN 3U | $267,176.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Javier Castellano | 56kg | 1:09.67 | 5-5-5 | 6 |
| 4.8L | $7.46 |
| 4/7 | 07/06/2025 | 60 | G3 OPEN 4U | $622,084.00 | Saratoga | 1308m | SP | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:14.64 | 1-6-4 | 7 |
| 5.3L | $16.40 |
| 8/11 | 08/04/2025 | 59 | G3 OPEN 4U | $559,105.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 53.5kg | 1:23.63 | 10-7-8 | 5 |
| 8.2L | $8.46 |
| 1/7 | 08/02/2025 | 28 | LR OPEN 4U | $201,288.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1207m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:09.47 | 2-5-1 | 2 |
| 0.3L | $1.80 |
| 2/9 | 11/01/2025 | 217 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $87,097.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1408m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:22.32 | 6-3-2 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $1.80 |

Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Form hard to fault. Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; scored a big 5.5 len win at Laurel LR June 27 over 1207m defeating Celtic Contender carrying 57kg at $2.70. The race before that won by 1.5 len at Churchill Downs May 16 over 1408m defeating I Got Game with 56kg at $3.49. Hard to beat if he brings his A-game.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 27/06/2026 | 42 | LR OPEN 3U | $244,073.00 | Laurel Park | 1207m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 57kg | 1:11.51 | 3-2-1 | 6 |
| 5.5L | $2.70 |
| 1/11 | 16/05/2026 | 36 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $187,151.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | M | Ben Curtis | 56kg | 1:22.42 | 1-2-1 | 10 |
| 1.5L | $3.49 |
| 1/8 | 10/04/2026 | 40 | ALLOW 4U | $181,951.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 54kg | 1:09.51 | 6-1-1 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $3.20 |
| 4/8 | 01/03/2026 | 23 | ALLOW 3U | $175,562.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 56kg | 1:08.76 | 1-5-4 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $5.50 |
| 4/12 | 06/02/2026 | 49 | ALLOW 4U | $178,317.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 1:10.78 | 3-2-4 | 8 |
| 3.4L | $6.80 |
| 5/8 | 19/12/2025 | 50 | LR OPEN 3 | $206,738.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Jaime A Torres | 55.5kg | 1:09.10 | 8-6-5 | 6 |
| 10.5L | $5.80 |

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently 5th of 7 at Aqueduct on June 28 over 1207m, 4 len behind El Grande O carrying 56kg at $3.41. The run before that won by 1.0 len at Aqueduct May 22 over 1308m defeating Over And Ollie with 55kg at $6.41. Tested on recent form.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 28/06/2026 | 37 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $128,312.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 56kg | 1:08.80 | 5-6-5 | 1 |
| 3.8L | $3.41 |
| 1/7 | 22/05/2026 | 26 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $128,492.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1308m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 55kg | 1:15.68 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 1.0L | $6.41 |
| 4/8 | 26/04/2026 | 275 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $205,240.00 | Churchill Downs | 1106m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 55.5kg | 1:01.66 | 2-4-4 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $16.64 |
| 5/7 | 25/07/2025 | 48 | G2 OPEN 3 | $305,810.00 | Saratoga | 1308m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 55.5kg | 1:15.64 | 4-5-5 | 4 |
| 10.0L | $15.70 |
| 5/10 | 07/06/2025 | 84 | G1 OPEN 3 | $777,605.00 | Saratoga | 1408m | M | Jose Lezcano | 53.5kg | 1:21.36 | 4-5-5 | 6 |
| 6.0L | $37.00 |
| 1/6 | 15/03/2025 | 29 | LR OPEN 3 | $198,098.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 54.5kg | 1:12.32 | 3-3-1 | 1 |
| 0.3L | $3.60 |

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. At the latest run 2nd in a small field at Churchill Downs in the G3 BANGO (Kelly's Landing) STAKES on June 27 over 1308m, 0.5 len behind Harrodsburg with 55kg at $2.68. The race before that came from midfield and won by 5 len at Churchill Downs May 21 over 1408m defeating Track Mate carrying 55kg at $4.19. Put the writing on the wall last time.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 27/06/2026 | 37 | G3 OPEN 3U | $383,543.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | SP | I Ortiz Jr | 55kg | 1:15.95 | 5-2-2 | 6 |
| 0.5L | $2.68 |
| 1/8 | 21/05/2026 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $206,704.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 55kg | 1:22.54 | 4-1-1 | 3 |
| 4.8L | $4.19 |
| 3/8 | 30/04/2026 | 48 | LR OPEN 4U | $279,330.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jareth Loveberry | 53.5kg | 1:08.81 | 5-2-3 | 2 |
| 6.3L | $3.54 |
| 1/5 | 13/03/2026 | 27 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $84,270.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Jareth Loveberry | 54.5kg | 1:07.96 | 2-1-1 | 2 |
| 1.5L | $2.70 |
| 5/6 | 14/02/2026 | 58 | LR OPEN 4U | $142,653.00 | Fairgrounds | 1106m | FM | John R Velazquez | 53.5kg | 1:02.28 | 6-5-5 | 5 |
| 1.6L | $6.70 |
| 1/7 | 18/12/2025 | 229 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $85,758.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Jareth Loveberry | 53.5kg | 1:09.50 | 3-1-1 | 6 |
| 1.5L | $3.30 |