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| Staff Writer |
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In a surprising turn of events, a capacity field of 12 older horses is set to contest the US$1 million Gr.1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on August 3, with National Treasure leading the charge for trainer Bob Baffert.
The Whitney, a prestigious Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race for the Classic, has drawn its largest field since 2019, defying recent trends of smaller fields in New York's top races.
Baffert, unfazed by the competition, said: "I didn't think much about who else was going to run but it's the Whitney. It's an important race so I can see a lot of people wanting to run."
National Treasure, a son of Quality Road, enters the 1 1/8-mile contest as the clear top-ranked horse in the NTRA poll. The 4YO has blossomed this season, capturing the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup and Met Mile.
His lone blemish this year came in the glittering US$20 million Saudi Cup, where he weakened late in the stretch under the unforgiving Riyadh lights. The gruelling test in the desert kingdom proved a bridge too far, but connections are confident he's back to his brilliant best.
"He's doing well. He's doing just as well as he did before (the Met Mile)," Baffert added, praising his charge's development. "He's gotten better with age and that's all you can really ask of a horse."
National Treasure's natural speed is expected to be a significant factor in the Whitney. Jockey Flavien Prat, who has been aboard for the colt's recent successes, will guide him from post 3. Baffert emphasized, "Speed is his weapon," a trait that has served the colt well since his US$500,000 purchase at Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale in 2021.
Todd Pletcher saddles a formidable trio in his bid for a fifth Whitney trophy. Bright Future, a Gr.1 winner over course and distance, leads the charge alongside improving stablemate Crupi and the enigmatic Charge It.
Pletcher, discussing Bright Future's chances, said: "He's already won a grade 1 for us and the Whitney is a premier race for older horses, so that would be a huge accomplishment for him. I think with a race under his belt, if he can make another move forward, it puts him right there."
Crupi, named after the respected late horseman J.J. Crupi, steps back in trip after a solid second in the Brooklyn Stakes. Pletcher noted, "He's been a work in progress and we've always felt like he had talent. We always felt the older he got, the better he would get, and we're happy to see that turn out to be correct."
Other notable contenders include the in-form Skippylongstocking for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who enters off a strong third in the Gr.1 Stephen Foster. Godolphin homebred First Mission, trained by Brad Cox, looks to bounce back from a disappointing run as favourite in the same race.
The depth of the field is further illustrated by the presence of horses like White Abarrio, last year's Florida Derby winner, and Zandon, who finished third in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Both are seeking to recapture their best form in this competitive spot.
With such a competitive and sizeable field, this year's Whitney promises to be a thrilling spectacle, potentially reshaping the older horse division as the season progresses towards the Breeders' Cup. The race not only offers a substantial purse but also provides a critical stepping stone towards the year-end championships, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts and connections alike.