With the rich historic past of Saratoga Race Course, there is one name that comes to mind, especially during this 150th anniversary celebration. A family that has major ties to thoroughbred racing at Saratoga the last hundred years. As owners and philanthropist to the sport, the Whitney's have been one of the most recognized names at Saratoga . CV Whitney was one of the most prominent thoroughbred owners since the turn of the last century. In 1928 the now famous race at Saratoga was named after his family; the Whitney Handicap. Through the years, many famous thoroughbred have won this mile and an eighth event for the older horses. Today, the Whitney Handicap is a major summer race with implications for the Breeder's Cup Classic ran in the Fall and usually winners of that race become candidates for "Horse of the Year".
CV Whitney past away in 1992, but his former wife; Marylou Whitney continues the tradition to the sport and along with her husband; John Hendrickson have made many generous donations for this year's 150th race course celebration. This weekend is exact date of the Sesquicentennial celebration for Saratoga Race Course and also marks the 86th running of the race named after the family that has done so much for thoroughbred racing and the City of Saratoga Springs .
This grade I race which is a Invitational, has had many famous horses win this two turn route event. Names like; Discovery (three time winner), War Admiral, Stymie, Kelso (also three time winner), Dr. Fager, Onion (who defeated Secretariat), Alydar, Lady's Secret, Personal Ensign, Easy Goer and many others. This year we have the returning winner of this race last year; Fort Larned . His victory last year propelled him into a Breeder's Cup Classic victory in the Fall. His last race at Churchill Downs in the Stephen Foster Handicap earned him a high Beyer speed figure of 115. His runner up foe in the Breeder's Cup Classic; Mucho Macho Man faces him again making his third start off a layoff and looks to improve to his 2012 form. Newcomer Cross Traffic looks to make his mark in grade I competition with his brilliant speed. The race may not have the current "Horse of Year" Wise Dan, but his stablemate; Successful Dan is a worthy opponent in this spot. Add grade I winner; Ron the Greek with last year's "dead heat" winner of the Travers Stakes; Alpha and you have assembled the best older handicap horses in the country!
This is a tough field, filled with speed. It looks like Cross Traffic may be the pace setter with Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man not far behind. Successful Dan, Alpha and longshot Csaba will also be just behind the front runners. The closers like Ron the Greek and Fast Falcon will have an impact if the fractions are fast up front. Fort Larned should be the post time favorite, I expect him to be around 8-5 to 2-1 odds range. He is the "horse to beat" and must use in all exotics. The 2nd choice in the betting will be between, Cross Traffic and Mucho Macho Man. The speedy Pletcher trainee will be over bet in my opinion and must show he can get the route distance. Ron the Greek will be a solid price around 7 or 8-1 and the others will have double digit odds. I'm going to take a shot (one more time) with the closer; Ron The Greek. He needs to stay in contact with the field and if the fractions are quite quick up front, he can score the minor upset. Underneath him, will be both Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man. The others finishing in the top two spots would be a surprise in my opinion.
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