Saffie Joseph Jr. Prepares Top Contenders for Saratoga

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Saffie Joseph Jr., a prominent trainer in the horse racing world, has some big plans for the upcoming races this month, and it’s set to shake up the Saratoga betting scene. 

Joseph aims to bring back two top contenders—The Queens M G and Skippylongstocking—in their respective graded stakes races. These two horses have already made a name for themselves, and their return to the track is highly anticipated by racing enthusiasts.

Horses That Will Shake the Racing Scene 

The Queens M G, owned by C Two Racing Stable and Mathis Stable, recently made headlines with an impressive victory in the Adirondack Stakes (G3). This win solidified her status as a top contender, and Joseph is now aiming for the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes (G1) on August 31 at Saratoga Race Course. As a crucial event on the horse racing calendar, fans can expect intense competition.

Meanwhile, Skippylongstocking, owned by Daniel Alonso, is gearing up to return to the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) on August 23. Skippylongstocking won this race in 2023, and there’s a lot of buzz surrounding his attempt to reclaim the title. Although he finished fifth in the recent Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, Joseph believes that the Charles Town Classic offers a better setup for his horse, where the offtrack betting community will likely keep a close eye on his performance.

Other Emerging Stallions

In addition to these two standout horses, Joseph has other potential stars in his stable. Spirit Wind, a winner of the Honorable Miss Handicap (G2) at Saratoga, is being considered for the $500,000 Ballerina Handicap (G1) at Saratoga on August 24 or the $500,000 Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes on August 23 at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. 

With such strong contenders, Joseph’s horses will draw significant attention closely from those following horse racing odds.

Adding more excitement to the upcoming races, Joseph mentioned that he might also enter Movin’ On Up, a versatile runner with wins on turf and synthetic surfaces, in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) on August 17. 

This horse could be a dark horse in the Saratoga betting landscape. Another contender from Joseph’s barn, Reach for the Rose, who impressed with an off-the-turf maiden win, is being aimed at the $175,000 With Anticipation Stakes (G3T) on August 29.

Meanwhile, White Abarrio, a multiple Grade 1 winner and reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) champion, is back in training after a short rest. White Abarrio is under the care of Joseph again after a brief stint with trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. While there’s no specific race targeted yet, Joseph is keen on getting White Abarrio back to top form before deciding on the next steps.