How to bet the 2025 New York Stakes

June 5th, 2025

A fine field of eight fillies and mares will travel 1 3/16 miles over the Saratoga green in Friday’s lucrative $750,000 New York S. (G1). Four of the eight in the excellent cast have achieved Grade/Group 1 success in the past, but the electric #8 She Feels Pretty (3-5) is the sure one to beat. 

New York Wagers

Trained by Cherie DeVaux, the chestnut filly has been a high-level performer since her juvenile season, but the daughter of Karakontie has taken her game to a new level after having blinkers added in the fall. The four-year-old has dominated a trio of fields in succession since having the hood on, with daylight victories in the Queen Elizabeth II S. (G1) and American Oaks (G1) to close out her sophomore season, prior to commencing her 2025 campaign with a fine victory in the Modesty S. (G3) at Churchill Downs

She Feels Pretty has gotten herself into her races earlier as she has developed while still possessing a deadly turn of foot, and she will have no excuses against this cast while drawing in the clear on the outside of the field. The star generally likes to run with some cover, but I think that she is capable of nearly anything, and it’s impossible to side against her right now. John Velazquez retains the ride. 

Moyglare Stud homebred #6 Bellezza (6-1) rallied into a dawdling pace to capture the Sheepshead Bay S. (G3) at Aqueduct in her seasonal bow and cuts back from 1 3/8 miles in this spot. The bay daughter of Siyouni earned a substantial 106 Brisnet Late Pace figure in her 2025 debut. In a field where the pace is expected to be an honest one at the very least, I fully expect the four-year-old to be passing runners in the lane as a major top-two threat at a fair price. Flavien Prat has the call. 

South African star #3 Gimme A Nother (7-2) has been twice runner-up since arriving in the states and could peak in her third assignment in the U. S. for conditioner Graham Motion. The two-time Group 1 heroine will run beyond nine furlongs for the initial time, but she has been full of energy late in both stateside events to date, and the extra distance might play into her wheelhouse on Friday. The five-year-old mare will be a late presence with Jose Ortiz staying in the silks. 


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 probable contender 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 Stakes!