Racing Tips for Saturday, 9th August, provided by Mike Somich
Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes Preview
The Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes, taking place at Saratoga on August 9, 2025, promises an exciting showdown between some of the best turf runners in the US. The race, set over 1½ miles on Saratoga’s inner turf, offers a lucrative $750,000 purse and a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Topping the list of favourites is Far Bridge (9/5), the defending champion who won the 2024 Sword Dancer. Trained by Miguel Clement and ridden by Joel Rosario, Far Bridge comes into the race in strong form after a recent victory in the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga. His combination of speed and stamina makes him the horse to beat.
Challenging Far Bridge for the top spot is Nations Pride (3/1), an accomplished international turf runner. With class and consistency on his side, Nations Pride will need to overcome Far Bridge’s favoured tactical speed to secure the victory.
El Cordobes (4/1) is another strong competitor, offering longer odds in the range of 4/1 to 7/1. El Cordobes has prior graded stakes success and is aiming for an upset.
Other notable runners include El Rezeen (15/1), Utah Beach (8/1), and Rebel Red (15/1 to 30/1). El Rezeen has a chance to surprise, while Utah Beach and Rebel Red are considered longshots.
The pace for the race is expected to be slow, set by El Cordobes. This tactical marathon is expected to favour seasoned closers and horses with proven stamina.
Post-time for the race is 5:44 PM ET, and coverage is available via platforms like FanDuel TV and FOX.
Here are the key odds and favourites for the race:
| Horse | Approximate Odds | |--------------|------------------| | Far Bridge | 9/5 (+225) | | Nations Pride| 3/1 (+275) | | El Cordobes | 4/1 (+400 to +700)| | El Rezeen | 15/1 (+650) | | Utah Beach | 8/1 (+800) | | Rebel Red | 15/1 to 30/1 |
In the other races, Cairo (5/2) is a New York-bred in Race #12 at Saratoga, with a better post position today and a strong performance in his last two races, having placed in Group 1 and Group 2 races.
At Del Mar, Eiffel (TBC) is suggested to run in Race #5, while Desert Gate (TBC) is suggested to win Race #4. A cold 5-3 Daily Double is suggested from Race #4 into Race #5 at Del Mar.
In Race #10 at Saratoga, the bet for the race is $50 Win on #5 Cairo and $10 Tri on #5 with #1 and #7, and #1 with #6, #7. #6 Fort Washington would need closer to 6-1 to bet to win.
The Grade 1 Arlington Million is taking place at Colonial Downs, Race #11, but no specific horses or picks are mentioned in this paragraph.
In the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes, Far Bridge (9/5) is the defending champion and favored to repeat his win, while Nations Pride (3/1) presents a strong challenge as an international turf runner with class and consistency. El Cordobes (4/1) offers longer odds, aiming for an upset with his proven stamina expected to benefit from a slow race pace. Other notable contenders include El Rezeen (15/1), Utah Beach (8/1), and Rebel Red (15/1 to 30/1), with El Rezeen considered a potential surprise. The race takes place on August 9, 2025, at Saratoga, offering a $750,000 purse and a "Win and You’re In" berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
