Expert Pick of the Week: 2024 Whitney Stakes

Aug 02, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A full field of 12 will go nine furlongs on the famed Saratoga Race Course in Saturday’s historic $1 million Whitney S. (G1). The Breeders’ Cup 'Win and You’re In' contest features 10 graded stakes winners as well as two contenders coming off victories on the course last time out in what is arguably the race of the year in the handicap division so far.

Bob Baffert’s National Treasure is the one to catch and beat in the 1 1/8-mile test. Last seen blitzing his foes in the Met Mile (G1) in impressive fashion, the son of Quality Road will stretch out in distance but should have little trouble with the added ground. The 2023 Preakness (G1) victor annexed the Pegasus World Cup (G1) at the distance in the winter, and he might be even better leading up to this tilt.

Arcangelo wins the G1 Travers for @jenaantonucci and @jjcjockey! 🤩🏆 pic.twitter.com/b5x50BT2Gc

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 26, 2023

National Treasure has put in four straight excellent performances since being beaten by a nose in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) in November, and his best showing will make him awfully tough to defeat Saturday. Flavien Prat retains the ride atop the $5.3 million earner.

I have long admired Winchell homebred Disarm and he is ready to run a peak race at a big price. The Gun Runner four-year-old ran huge on the surface in his sophomore finale when a clear second in the Travers S. (G1), and despite not looking the part in two tries in 2024, he has a lot going for him in this event.

Disarm does his best when he tracks from off the pace while saving ground, and that is the exact trip I envision him getting Saturday. The Grade 3 hero has an affinity for the surface as he also broke his maiden in going-away fashion locally as a juvenile. The shape of the race could play to his strengths as the pace should be quick throughout. He has posted a trio of morning drills on the Oklahoma training surface in advance of the contest, and Joel Rosario will stay in the silks.

Expert Pick

An exacta box with #3 National Treasure and #2 Disarm in the 2024 Whitney Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.