Vosburgh wasn’t a horse, he was a guy who decided how much weight they carried. Walter Vosburgh (1854-1938) was a turf historian, author and the Jockey Club’s official handicapper from 1894-1934. He spent 60 years working in New York racing, and in 1940, two years after he went to horse heaven, the Vosburgh Handicap was named in his honor.
Baby Yoda. NYRA/Coglianese Photo.
He would have loved seeing how many great thoroughbreds won it, including Hall of Famers Bold Ruler, Dr. Fager and Forego. He’d be happy it’s a “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup, with the winner earning a berth in the BC Sprint (G1) on Nov. 2 at Del Mar.
He would not have liked seeing it being downgraded from Grade 1 to Grade 2 in 2020 to Grade 3 this year. The American Graded Stakes Committee reviews stakes races yearly, raising or lowering status depending on the quality of their fields. The timing for dissing the Vosburgh seems off, because its last two winners were 2023 Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish and two-time sprint champion Elite Power.
Then again, maybe the committee was psychic, because Saturday’s field for the 7-furlong Vosburgh at Aqueduct is its weakest in memory. There’s no Grade 1 winner among the seven entries, and only Baby Yoda and Dean Delivers have won a graded sprint stakes. But if you pick the winner, the money spends just as well as a Kentucky Derby score.
For those who like to bet on horse racing, here’s an analysis of the Vosburgh (post time 4:14 p.m. ET).
The field in post-position order, with jockey, trainer, odds:
1 SEVEN’S ELEVEN (Kenrick Carmouche, Michael Simone, 10-1)
His 2024 highlights are distant seconds at Laurel to standout Post Time, subsequently first in the Carter and second in Met Mile, both Grade 1s. Lost three straight ungraded stakes. Toss.
2 SCOTLAND (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott, 7-2)
Broke five-race skid with off-the-pace win in high-priced Saratoga claimer. Working well, and a nose away from 3-for-4 at tricky 7-furlong distance. Ability to rate off likely quick pace helps, and always respect Hall of Famer Bill Mott. Win contender.
3 BABY YODA (Dylan Davis, Bill Mott, 9-2)
Scotland’s stablemate gets major class relief after duds in Grade 1 Vanderbilt and Forego. Wired Grade 2 True North by six lengths in June but will face heat up front. Likely pace casualty. Toss.
4 DEAN DELIVERS (Jaime Rodriguez, Ed Allard, 4-1)
Streaking shipper 4-for-4 in minor stakes since moving to trainer Edward Allard. Quick early but doesn’t need the lead; 6-for-7 in exacta (two wins) at 7 furlongs. Win contender.
5 COMEDY TOWN (Manny Franco, Saffie Joseph, Jr., 5-2)
Won three straight for Joseph, who’s having a career year. Six-year-old gelding posted best figs ever in last three but likely underlay in graded stakes debut. Use underneath.
6 MUFASA (Irad Ortiz, Jr., Ignacio Correas, IV, 3-1)
Group 3 winner in Chile crushed 7-furlong optional claimer at Colonial Downs, drawing away in hand by 3¾ lengths. Great final time and late-pace numbers, and brilliant Irad Ortiz Jr. rides. Repeat of his last wins this. The choice.
7 LORD MILES (Eric Cancel, Saffie Joseph, Jr., 20-1)
Lost seven in a row by average of 10 lengths since pulling off 59-1 upset in 2023 Wood Memorial. Toss.
The picks: 1 Mufasa 2 Scotland 3 Dean Delivers