Meet the Contenders: 2026 Withers Stakes
Schoolyardsuperman breaking his maiden at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
February 3rd, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Withers (G3) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
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#6 Courting wins with #3 Grittiness second and #5 Stream It third at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coady Media)
#1 Grittiness ***
Pro: Plugged along for fifth against tougher Remsen (G2) field.
Con: Still a maiden after four starts and needs to quicken a bit.
Schoolyardsuperman breaking his maiden at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
#2 Schoolyardsuperman *****
Pro: Resounding maiden win last time after two losses as post-time favorite.
Con: Must contend with a lot of other pace that’s signed on here.
Ottinho breaking his maiden at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
#3 Ottinho *****
Pro: Half to Gun Runner fought back to earn his diploma over this distance.
Con: Possesses slightly less experience than some of his main rivals.
TwinSpires
#4 Star Sweeper *
Pro: One of only two here with multiple wins, latest being a Parx allowance.
Con: Showed little in two prior stakes tries and appears too slow.
Mailata wins the Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes at Parx Racecourse. (Photo by EQUI-PHOTO)
#5 Mailata ****
Pro: Unbeaten since adding blinkers, crushing Parx opposition.
Con: Tested for class on this circuit, plus stamina going nine panels.
Talk to Me Jimmy wins at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#6 Talk to Me Jimmy **
Pro: Showed improved speed adding blinkers second out.
Con: Three months since last start, and the competition is stronger here.
TwinSpires
#7 Fourth and One ***
Pro: Stretchout to two turns should more than help this multiple stakes-placed colt.
Con: Has only been facing NY-breds through four starts.
