Horse Racing: Whitney Stakes Offshore Odds, Preview, and Picks

The feature on a high-quality night at Saratoga comes in the form of the G1 Whitney Stakes. A talented field will go to post at the Spa for the Grade One, with a distance of a mile and a furlong being covered.

Before Betting On Whitney Stakes

One of the biggest races of the summer in the U.S. will be staged this weekend, as the Whitney Stakes will be staged at the Spa. This Grade One has been contested since 1928, with the winner earning an automatic berth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic. A total distance of 1 1/8 miles will be covered by the field, with a purse of $1 million up for grabs.

National Treasure certainly appears to hold the leading claims for trainer Bob Baffert. The runner was a dominant winner over a mile at Saratoga in June when scoring in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap. He has already won the G1 Pegasus World Cup over this distance in 2024, and could solidify his Classic claims with success this weekend.

Arthur’s Ride could be one of the most interesting contenders this weekend. He made an excellent return to action after nearly two years off the track when getting up late to win an allowance optional claimer over a mile and two at Saratoga. Merits respect back up in grade.

Todd Pletcher could also have an excellent chance this weekend, as Bright Future looks to land a fifth career victory. He got back on track at the start of June when landing the G2 Salvator Mile Stakes over a mile. Held his own in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic last year when finishing sixth.

Whitney Stakes Offshore Odds & Picks

National Treasure could be slightly vulnerable this weekend. Therefore, a chance is taken on First Mission for trainer Brad Cox. The runner was disappointing when fourth behind Kingsbarns in the G1 Stephen Foster on his latest start, but he was largely impressive prior to that when winning the G2 Alysheba and G3 Essex Handicap.

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