Kentucky Derby fourth and tenth Final Gambit and Tiztastic continue a summer campaign on grass in the $750,000 Grade I Saratoga Derby of 2025 in Upstate New York on Saturday, August 2. Switching surfaces from dirt to turf hasn’t paid off just yet, however.
Introduced at the Spa in 2019, this 2,100m invitational race often attracts transatlantic runners to Saratoga Race Course. Three of the nine in the field cross the ocean from either France or Ireland, but face a strong home challenge. More on the overseas raiders later.
Owner-breeders Juddmonte combine with the Brad Cox barn that saddles Final Gambit, a solid fourth from off the speed in May’s Kentucky Derby result from Churchill Downs. He returned to the Bluegrass State for the Grade III Matt Winn Stakes, but he couldn’t go the pace over that shorter trip.
It prompted connections of Final Gambit to switch him to the grass and step him back up in distance. He was a never nearer two-length fifth in the Belmont Derby behind a couple of re-opposing rivals. Final Gambit actually dead-heated for his spot, crossing the wire level with Qatar Racing’s British import New Century.
Now Final Gambit now steps up another 100m in distance, which can only help based on how he shaped in both Derbies he’s contested so far. Brendan Walsh new recruit New Century has stamina doubts, however, as he prepares for the Saratoga Derby of 2025.
Home in front of both those at the Spa last time were Graham Motion’s Test Score and World Beater for young trainer Riley Mott. The latter represents the son of Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty’s handler Bill Mott, who runs Capitol Hill. Test Score and World Beater ran on best with just over a length separating them.
Juvenile Turf Runs Give Tiztastic Hope
Louisiana Derby hero Tiztastic won a couple of races at Kentucky Downs on grass last season for Steve Asmussen. A Tiz The Law colt, he needed a mile by early fall of his juvenile campaign. This Saratoga test could be ideal for him, especially with that Grade I success from the New Orleans Fair Grounds over the 2,100m distance on his resume.
Tiztastic didn’t get a clear run in the Kentucky Derby and found the extended mile of the American Derby on his return to turf just too much of a speed test. Going back up in trip promises to suit him in much the same way as it benefits Final Gambit. European raiders have a good record in the Saratoga Derby, however.
Alessandro Botti brings Juwelier across the Atlantic for this after winning a Group 3 German Derby Trial. His prior fifth in Listed company saw the subsequent winner and third from the Grand Prix de Paris in Leffard and New Ground home in front of him. With this strong French form, Juwelier could be the best of overseas runners.
Irish trainer Jessica Harrington has a Grade I winner in the line-up in Hotazhell. He landed the Doncaster Futurity Trophy from subsequent Sandown Eclipse hero Delacroix in the fall. A fine third in the Irish 2000 Guineas since, Hotazhell shaped as though he might get a bit further than a mile.
The concern with him is his best form is when the going is softer. Conditions are the Spa are often firm, so Hotazhell may not get his ground. Completing the European runners is Amo Racing’s Tiberius Thunder. He made the show in a Group 3 Derby Trial in Ireland in the spring and just missed out on the top three in the Hampton Court during Royal Ascot.
Saratoga Derby 2025 Post Positions Draw & Morning Line Odds
- Capitol Hill – 15-1
- Juwelier – 20-1
- Final Gambit – 6-1
- Tiztastic – 15-1
- Test Score – 7-2
- New Century – 5-1
- Hotazhell – 7-5
- Tiberius Thunder – 15-1
- World Beater – 10-1
Our Handicapper’s Verdict
Oddsmakers from Kentucky Derby racebooks and Morning Line forecasters have the wrong favorite. Hotazhell doesn’t act under quicker conditions, and Test Score landed the Belmont Derby entirely on merit. He can confirm Spa form with World Beater, who looks value for the show, New Century and Final Gambit.
Of the others, Capitol Hill is the most interesting longshot upped in trip. Fast going is a concern for Juwelier, while Tiberius Thunder has the stamina doubts as New Century. With better luck in-running, one of the Kentucky Derby horses might make the show and Tiztastic has the better turf record.
