How to bet the 2026 Mahony Stakes

Seven speedy sophomores will run 5 1/2 furlongs over the Saratoga turf in Sunday’s $225,000 Mahony (G3). Despite the smaller field size, the race is certainly competitive, with talented contenders drawn from the rail to the outside post, and I will aim to get some value in the grassy dash. 

Mahony Wagers

• $10 win and place #1 Rebel With a Cause ($20)

• $10 exacta box 1-2 ($20)

• $3 trifecta 1,2 with 1,2,3 with 1,2,3 ($12)

The Lauren Robson-trained #1 Rebel With a Cause (8-1) might have to be sent from the break with his rail draw, and I feel that will be a benefit to the recent My Frenchman S. hero. By smart turf sire Leinster, the Florida-bred is two-for-three on the sod in his lifetime, led by that convincing stakes triumph last time, and he has room to improve with just five lifetime races to his credit, as well. 

Rebel With A Cause is not slow from the gate and could secure the early edge in this tough spot in a field lacking a confirmed frontrunner. The gelding will make his second run off the bench and will have Javier Castellano in the silks. If he establishes an edge early, then I expect him to be stubborn late at a price. 

Wesley Ward’s #2 Outfielder (1-1) is the obvious one to beat in the heat, and his best showing will topple this cast. The Speightstown colt is a fantastic one-turn runner at this stage of his development and was admirable in defeat in the Commonwealth Cup S. (G1) at Royal Ascot in June in his latest performance. A facile winner over a nice group including the aforementioned runner in the William Walker S. at Churchill Downs on May 9, the dual-surface threat has trained well in advance of this tilt and seems poised to give a fine impression of himself in his local debut. The $850,000 Kentucky-bred will always be a prominent figure with Johnnie V. in the silks. 

#3 Oscar’s Hope (8-1) intrigues in the tilt for trainer Kinnon LaRose. The Twirling Candy colt is very talented and has a pedigree that suggests that the turf might be a positive for him. The $150,000 yearling buy didn’t show a lot on the dirt behind a budding star at seven-eighths on the Churchill dirt in his latest performance, but he has worked well in the interim and could elevate his game with the surface change on Sunday. Junior Alvarado retains the ride and will have this one close while stalking from the second flight early on.