The True North Stakes (G3) has long served as a pivotal sprint feature, traditionally run around Belmont Stakes weekend. First contested in the 1970s with earlier roots, the race has produced several standout sprinters, including champions like Phone Trick (1986), Groovy (1987), Dancing Spree (1989), Speightstown (2004), Benny the Bull (2008), Roy H (2017), Jackie’s Warrior (2022), Elite Power (2023), Baby Yoda (2024), and defending champion Book’em Danno (2025).
Often serving as a key prep or target for horses eyeing the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), the True North has regularly attracted Champions and Grade 1 winners.
Book’em Danno Seeks True North Repeat
In the 2026 renewal, the field features several proven Grade 1-level sprinters returning from strong 2025 campaigns and international efforts, led by Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Bentornato (8-5) and last year’s True North victor Book’em Danno (2-1).
The True North anchors a strong Saturday card at Saratoga, where it stands alongside six other graded stakes events, including the $2 million Belmont Stakes—the final leg of the Triple Crown.
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | Antonio Fresu | D. O’Neill | 30-1 |
| 2 | Powershift | Luis Saez | T. Pletcher | 12-1 |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | W. Mott | 3-1 |
| 4 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | T. Pletcher | 2-1 |
| 5 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | C. Brown | 20-1 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Manny Franco | C. Brown | 12-1 |
| 7 | Commandment | John Velazquez | B. Cox | 6-1 |
| 8 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | C. Brown | 6-1 |
| 9 | Golden Time | Jose Ortiz | C. DeVaux | 9-2 |
The Derek Ryan-trained Book’em Danno (2-1) enters as the local threat after winning this race last year and racing 4-for-5 at Saratoga, including a flawless 3-for-3 record in 2025. The 5-year-old New Jersey-bred stalker/closer boasts tactical speed and consistently produces eye-catching speed figures alongside graded stakes victories.
Dominating Saratoga last year, Book’em Danno captured the True North, Alfred G Vanderbilt Stakes (G2), and Forego Stakes (G1). He skipped the Breeders’ Cup to rest after jockey Paco Lopez’s suspension. “He likes that track. He seems to like the summer air up there,” Ryan said. “I didn’t think we’d be running him in all three last summer; it just worked out that way. The Vanderbilt was definitely his best effort of the year by far. He’s coming back good again this year.”
Returning from a solid second-place finish by a neck in the Carter Stakes (G2) in April—a race marred by tough trip logistics—Book’em Danno will be reunited with jockey Paco Lopez.
Welcome Back Odds: 8-5 Favorites
Bentornato returns to action off a promising second-place finish in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan two months ago. The Valiant Minister ridgling maintains a remarkable record, never finishing worse than third in 12 career starts. “We gave him 60 days after Breeders’ Cup, so it was very impressive how he came off the layoff,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said. “Also, we broke inside horses, and he was fourth or fifth and then later made his move.”
Is a Dubai Bounce Possible?
Bentornato’s primary concern is potential Dubai bounce. Horses shipping to the Middle East often require extended recovery time, so his condition for this return remains uncertain. Irad Ortiz, Jr. has been installed as the regular pilot.
Imagination Poses a Threat in True North
Imagination (4-1), trained by Bob Baffert, won the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in Saudi Arabia three and a half months ago, making him another international traveler with questions surrounding his form. Following a flat fourth in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) on Derby Day, the Into Mischief gelding—known for his closing speed—can produce big late runs but needs favorable pace setup. Flavien Prat handles the riding assignment.
Be You (12-1), a Repole Stable runner graded stakes-placed with mid-pack/closing aptitude, may benefit from a hot pace. “It looks like a tough spot, but with his running style, he likes to settle and make one run, and hopefully he’ll get a really fast setup,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I think seven [furlongs] is his absolute optimal distance, but unfortunately, everything is six, six and a half. Maybe at six and a half there’s a hot pace, and it will all work out.” Pletcher holds the training advantage in this race with four previous winners.
Illuminare (10-1) also comes from Pletcher’s barn, seeking his third consecutive victory and first against graded stakes company. Manny Franco has the mount and should factor in the early pace scenario.
Faust (15-1), a son of Volatile coming off a second in the Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3), has versatile stalking speed for trainer Steve Asmussen with Jose Ortiz aboard. While solid, he likely needs to elevate his performance against this quality field.
Pentathlon (30-1), a Shug McGaughey-trained veteran by Speightstown,finished third in the Westchester Stakes and represents a reliable mid-pack performer with class. Dylan Davis rides this consistent grinder, who could capitalize if early speed falters.
Acoustic Ave (30-1), trained by Linda Rice, offers the strongest local threat with pace-setting/pressing capability. The Maclean’s Music gelding was a neck second in the John A. Nerud Stakes (G3) most recently and could seize control from post 1 on his best day.
Listenupshance (30-1), shipping in from California, brings some stakes placings but faces questions after a below-par effort for trainer Doug O’Neill. Antonio Fresu pilots this longshot, who needs significant race dynamics to unfold favorably up front.
