How to bet the 2025 Sword Dancer Stakes

An accomplished field of nine will run 1 1/2 miles over the Saratoga inner turf in Saturday’s lucrative, $750,000 Sword Dancer S. (G1). A trio of horses are standouts on the morning line, and deservedly so, but I’ll take a swing with a longshot in the marathon grass contest. 

Sword Dancer Wagers

• 50-cent superfecta 7 with 1,5,6 with 1,5,6 with all ($18)
• 50-cent superfecta 1,5,6 with 7 with 1,5,6 with all ($18)
• 50-cent superfecta box 1,5,6,7 ($12)

Shadwell homebred #7 El Rezeen (15-1) lacks the credentials of the bigger players in the field, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism with the chestnut at a big price. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the son of English Channel didn’t show much in the first four races of his career but really evolved with the addition of blinkers. The four-year-old won his first pair of races after adding the hood in the summer of 2024, before finishing a close third in the Jockey Club Derby (G3) in his sophomore finale. 

El Rezeen finished a creditable third in a strong allowance field at Keeneland at 1 1/16 miles, which preceded a clear runner-up showing in the Bowling Green S. (G2) over yielding ground at this venue most recently. The colt has no distance limitations; he is two-for-three with a second on the oval, and the upset pick could also peak while making his third run off the shelf, as well. Dylan Davis has the assignment once again. 

Defending champ #6 Far Bridge (9-5) is the top domestic horse in the cast and is a must-use for Miguel Clement. The bay son of English Channel cruised home a facile winner of the Bowling Green in his latest appearance and has been in fantastic form since moving to extended trips on the lawn. The Kentucky-bred five-year-old will always be in the hunt with Joel Rosario retaining the ride. 

The globe-trotting #5 Nations Pride (3-1) is one of two major contenders in the cast for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby. The Teofilo six-year-old might not be a true 1 1/2-mile horse, but he is all class, and the bay can surely win this race with his top effort. William Buick coming in to ride is a major bonus. 

Godolphin’s #1 El Cordobes (4-1) broke through with a big win in the Grade 2 ranks at Newmarket last time and is well drawn on the rail for his stateside debut. Appleby pupil is a true stayer with some early foot and gets a draw on the inside with Prat in the silks. The Frankel gelding seems to be peaking in advance of the race and has to be given a chance for expert connections.