Analyzing Saturday’s Whitney Stakes: My Win, Place and Show Selections

On the upcoming Saturday race card at Saratoga Race Course, the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes emerges as the highlight amidst three major graded stakes. Scheduled for 5:42 p.m. (ET), the Whitney Stakes invites thoroughbred racehorses aged four and above to compete for a $1 million prize purse, spread among six entries.

Complementing the Whitney are the Grade 3 Troy Stakes, the Grade 1 Test Stakes, and the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby. Featuring a prize purse of $600,000, the Saratoga Derby extends an invitation to three-year-old thoroughbreds to cover 1 3/16 miles on turf. Notable entries include Webslinger and Battle of Normandy.

As for the Whitney Stakes, a 1 1/8 mile sprint on Saratoga’s dirt track, I have identified three key contenders to land in the money. Cody’s Wish is my top choice for the win, with Charge It for Place and Zandon forecasted to Show in this six-horse field.

Race: Whitney Stakes
Track: Saratoga Race Course
Date: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023

Whitney Stakes Betting Analysis

Win: Cody’s Wish

With an impressive record and trained by William Mott, five-year-old Cody’s Wish has demonstrated his prowess with wins in both the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes and the Metropolitan Stakes at Belmont Park. Set to start at gate No. 7 under the guidance of jockey Junior Alvarado, and he boasts a commendable 8.2 rating from Horse Racing Nation, and his status as the odds-on favorite makes him a top pick.

Charge It

Four-year-old colt Charge It has displayed his strength at Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, and Belmont Park. His recent victory at the Grade 2 Suburban Stakes at Belmont underlines his ability to perform under pressure. Paired with jockey John Velazquez and trained by Todd Pletcher, Charge It is poised to deliver a strong finish at 5-1 odds on the morning line.

Show: Zandon

Zandon’s commendable performances at Belmont Park in the Westchester and Metropolitan Stakes rank him high among potential contenders. With a promising 7.83 rating heading into the Whitney Stakes and 9-2 as the morning line second favorite, Zandon, ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by Chad Brown, is well-positioned for a top-three finish.

Whitney Stakes Bets

• $50 Win Bet: Cody’s Wish
• $20 Exacta Wheel: Cody Wish on top of Charge it and Zandon.
• $10 Tricta Box: Cody Wish, Charge it, and Zandon