Betting With, and Against, Chancer McPatrick in the Woody Stephens Stakes

An excellent and well-matched field of 11 three-year-olds will travel seven-eighths on the Saratoga main surface in Saturday’s exciting $500,000 Woody Stephens S. (G1). The lukewarm morning-line choice is Chad Brown’s #10 Chancer McPatrick (4-1), who began his career with two wins on the surface, led by a late-running coup in the Hopeful S. (G1). By McKinzie, the two-time Grade 1 hero is winless in a trio of two-turn events as of late and cuts back to a more preferred voyage in this spot, while also having his blinkers removed. In a heat where the pace could be explosive, the $725,000 juvenile purchase could benefit most with regular rider Flavien Prat up. 

Chancer McPatrick – With

• $5 exacta 10 with 2,3,7,9 ($20)
• 50-cent trifecta 10 with 2,3,7,9 with all ($18)

Chancer McPatrick – Against

• $2 exacta box 2,3,7,9 ($24)
• 50-cent trifecta 7,9 with 2,3,7,9,10 with 2,3,7,9,10 ($12) 

I feel as though #9 Neoequos (10-1) will be overlooked in the deep contest and could be dangerous at a big number under Jose Ortiz. The Saffie Joseph trainee finished third in both the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2) this campaign prior to contesting a wicked pace in the Kentucky Derby (G1), and he will appreciate the cut back in distance on Saturday. Florida-bred bay draws outside of the other early runners in the group and will be well placed turning for home. 

Lafayette S. victor #7 Colloquial (6-1) was on my radar following his debut offering at Aqueduct last season and has come home best in both of his performances as a sophomore for trainer George Weaver. The Vekoma chestnut earned a massive 109 Brisnet Speed number for his maiden score two back, and anything resembling that performance will make him very tough with Manny Franco riding. His versatility is a strong asset. 

I’ve been waiting for the talented #2 Madaket Road (10-1) to have his breakout race, and this could be the spot. One of two in the field for Baffert, the Quality Road colt will get blinkers put back on for this dash, and the colt does not need the lead to run big, either. John Velazquez inheriting the mount is a positive. 

#3 Macho Music (10-1) is arguably the fleetest horse in the field and has to be respected following his romp in the Pat Day Mile (G2) on Kentucky Derby Day. The Rohan Crichton charge will be sent from the break by regular pilot Javier Castellano. 

Join us on June 7 for a rematch that will shake the stands. Many top Kentucky Derby contenders return for the Belmont S. (G1) to fight for the finish, including Journalism, winner of Preakness 150, and Sovereignty, winner of Derby 151. Who will stand in the winner's circle for Belmont?

Stay with us throughout Belmont Day during stakes races as we bring you the latest horse racing news, live odds, expert picks, and more. It is sure to be an exciting day of racing!

Also, come chat with our expert panel regarding Friday and Saturday racing during Saratoga's Friday card, including the Acorn S. (G1)!