The Woody Stephens Stakes: A Tradition of Speed at Saratoga

Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga is widely considered one of the premier events in the American horse racing calendar. Among the high-stakes action on this blockbuster card, the Woody Stephens Stakes serves as a testament to the legacy of one of the sport’s most legendary trainers.

Woody Stephens, a Kentucky native, built a career spanning seven decades defined by his remarkable success in the sport’s most prestigious events. While he secured victories in the Kentucky Derby in 1974 and 1984, and the Preakness in 1952, he remains best known for an unprecedented feat: winning five consecutive runnings of the Belmont Stakes between 1982 and 1986. To honor his contributions, the New York Racing Association renamed the Riva Ridge Stakes in his honor in 2006.

The 2026 Woody Stephens Stakes: What to Expect

This year’s edition of the Grade 1 Woody Stephens Stakes is set for June 6, 2026, with an expected post time of 4:52 p.m. ET. Contested at seven furlongs for three-year-olds, the race features a competitive field of nine horses vying for a $500,000 purse. The race is known for attracting top-tier speedsters, and this year’s lineup is no exception.

The Field

The nine entrants bring a diverse mix of early speed and late-closing capability to the track:

• Gilded Bandit: Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, this runner has shown potential with two wins in three career starts.
• Obliteration: With Steve Asmussen in the trainer’s seat and John Velazquez aboard, this experienced contender brings a strong record of four wins and four second-place finishes in nine starts.
• Six Speed: A son of Not This Time, this George Weaver trainee is known for his blistering early speed.
• Stradale: Another entry from the Steve Asmussen barn, Stradale has consistently placed in the money throughout his six-start career.
• Solitude Dude: Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. And piloted by Flavien Prat, this horse enters with four wins in five career starts, boasting a perfect record at this distance.
• Crude Velocity: Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Florent Geroux, this unbeaten colt is coming off a victory in the Pat Day Mile.
• Englishman: Under the guidance of trainer Cherie DeVaux and jockey Jose Ortiz, this runner has demonstrated impressive gate-to-wire capabilities.
• Civil Liberty: Trained by Doug O’Neill, this pace-stalker secured a victory at this distance at Keeneland earlier this year.
• Taj Mahal: Trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by Manny Franco, this runner rounds out the field with a history of setting the early pace.

Key Takeaways for Handicappers

For those following the race, keep these factors in mind:

• Pace Dynamics: With several horses in the field known for their early speed, the opening fractions could be exceptionally fast, which may set the stage for a closer.
• Distance Experience: Contenders with proven performance at the seven-furlong distance, such as Solitude Dude and Civil Liberty, hold a strategic advantage.
• Trainer/Jockey Combinations: The presence of elite trainers like Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen, coupled with veteran jockeys like John Velazquez and Flavien Prat, adds a layer of tactical depth to the race.

Looking Ahead

The Woody Stephens Stakes continues to be a focal point for three-year-old sprinters. As racing fans look toward the final leg of the Triple Crown, this Grade 1 event offers a high-octane preview of the talent defining this generation of Thoroughbreds. Whether you are a casual observer or a seasoned handicapper, the intensity of this seven-furlong sprint promises to be a highlight of the Saratoga racing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Woody Stephens Stakes?
The race is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga.

What is the purse for the Woody Stephens Stakes?
The race carries a total purse of $500,000.

What is the distance of the race?
The Woody Stephens is run at seven furlongs.