Improbable Wins Whitney + HUGE Upset in Personal Ensign

On Saturday, we witnessed an exciting day of racing at Saratoga, including the Whitney, Allen Jerkens, Personal Ensign, and Bowling Green. Each of the races was very exciting, including some controversy in the Bowling Green, where Sadler's Joy was taken down from first place and put in last after impeding with several of the horses. This lead to Cross Border being put up for the win. 

In the Personal Ensign, Midnight Bisou, a heavy favorite was defeated by Vexatious stretch battle. In the previous summer, Vexatious nearly beat the heavily favored Blue Prize, who went on to win the Distaff, and defeated Midnight Bisou. This time, Vexatious got the best of the big favorite and looks primed to run in the Breeders Cup later this year. Regardless, it was still an incredible stretch duel and one of the top races of the year. 

In the Allen Jerkens, No Parole got out to an early lead as the favorite before collapsing in the stretch. Meanwhile, Steven Assmussen, took Echo Town for the win, in his first graded stakes win. Assmussen also had Shoplifted, who finished third in the race. 

Finally, in the Whitney Stakes, the favorite Tom's d'Etat had troubles getting into position early on in the race, which lead to him being placed far back. Meanwhile, Mr. Buff led very slow fractions down the backstretch, with Improbable sitting right behind him. Because of this, Improbable got an easy run towards the front and took over the race, winning the Whitney. By My Standards finished second, Tom's d'Etat finished third with a late charge, and Code of Honor finished a disappointing fourth. Mr. Buff finished fourth. 

Credit to NYRA and Breeders Cup for Clips

Saratoga Springs Racing will return on Friday with early picks for Travers Day, and the featured card. Enjoy the races till then.