Top Weekend Races: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth, Bing Crosby, and Jim Dandy Stakes
Horseplayers are in for a betting challenge this weekend with a trio of high stakes races, one each at Ascot Racecourse, Del Mar Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course.
At Ascot outside London, the $1.588 million King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday is expected to match Auguste Rodin and Rebel’s Romance in what could be an 11-horse field. The winner earns an automatic, fees paid, berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in November.
And at Saratoga, a doozy of a $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) features three multiple graded stakes winners in Preakness champ Seize the Grey, Florida Derby winner Fierceness, and Blue Grass winner Sierra Leone. The Jim Dandy for 3-year-olds is the Spa prep for the Travers Stakes on Aug. 24.
Toss in the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G1) a 6-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up, at the Spa as well as about nine other graded stakes at Ascot, Del Mar, Monmouth Park, and Woodbine, those who bet racing online are in for a long and hopefully profitable weekend.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin (Prince of Wales win last out, and currently listed at 5-4 odds) goes for a seventh Group/Grade 1 win (he won the BC Turf in 2023), while Rebel’s Romance (2022 BC Turf winner) is on a four-race winning streak for trainer Charlie Appleby, among them the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) in March. Auguste Rodin already earned a spot in the BC Turf with his Prince of Wales win.
Fierceness returns in Jim Dandy
Fierceness, the 2-year-old champion trained by Todd Pletcher, returns to the races following his 15th-place finish as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
A double in the Bing Crosby?
The Chosen Vron is 4-for-4 this year, riding a five-race win streak, and has won 13 of his last 14 starts, including the 2023 Bing Crosby.
The 6-year-old chestnut gelding is trained by Eric Kruljac. The only loss during that period came in the BC Sprint, where he finished fifth.
Also at Del Mar on Saturday is the San Diego Handicap (G2). Possibles for the 1 1/16 miles on dirt include Bob Baffert-trained Arabian Knight and Phil D’Amato-trained Newgrange.
From coast to coast, and across the pond, races will be going off at a fast a furious pace. Good luck!