The Grade 2, $300,000 Red Smith Stakes is the centerpiece of Aqueduct’s Saturday lineup, promising excitement for fans tracking the horse racing schedule and betting on horse racing odds. This 1 3/8-mile turf race, scheduled as Race 9 at 3:40 p.m. EDT and broadcast live on FanDuel TV, has drawn a competitive field of nine seasoned runners.
Top Contenders and Odds
Leading the field is 2-1 morning-line favorite Integration, trained by Claude McGaughey III and ridden by Flavien Prat. Integration, a son of Quality Road, comes into the Red Smith Stakes off a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2). With the highest Beyer Speed Figure in the field at 100 and a strong TimeformUS rating of 126, Integration is expected to deliver a solid performance.
At 5-2, Master Piece is another strong contender, returning to the East Coast after three races on the West Coast. Trained by Rick Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Jose Lezcano, this son of Mastercraftsman posted a 99 Beyer and a 125 TimeformUS rating in his previous starts. Master Piece, who last finished third in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2), brings a wealth of experience and tactical speed to the field.
Limited Liability, listed at 5-1, is another notable entry. This Kitten’s Joy colt, trained by Claude McGaughey III and ridden by Frankie Dettori, recently won the Nashville Gold Cup, and has a 102 Beyer Speed Figure and a TimeformUS rating of 121. Limited Liability’s proven endurance and finishing ability make him a serious threat in this long-distance test.
Long Shots and Other Key Runners Red Smith Stakes
Several intriguing long shots add depth to the Red Smith Stakes field. Curbstone, at 30-1, is expected to set a moderate pace under the guidance of John Velazquez. Trained by Thomas Morley, Curbstone has shown consistency with an 85 Beyer Speed Figure and a 114 TimeformUS rating.
Pioneering Spirit, a 10-1 entry trained by Richard Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Manuel Franco, has strong recent form, finishing second in his last outing. With a 94 Beyer and a TimeformUS rating of 123, Pioneering Spirit could be an underrated contender if he finds a favorable trip.
City Man, also at 10-1, is another runner to watch. This Mucho Macho Man gelding, trained by Christophe Clement and ridden by Joel Rosario, comes off a second-place finish in the Mohawk Stakes. With a 94 Beyer and a TimeformUS rating of 122, City Man is poised to capitalize on a well-timed move in the stretch.
Adhamo, listed at 8-1, adds further competition. This Intello gelding trained by Chad Brown has a Beyer of 93 and a TimeformUS rating of 120. Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Adhamo will be positioned just behind the early leaders, aiming to strike in the latter stages.
Betting Insights and Race Dynamics
The pace for the Red Smith Stakes is expected to be moderate, with long-shot Curbstone likely to lead, followed closely by Adhamo. Integration, Master Piece, and Limited Liability will look to settle into stalking positions, ready to make their moves as the pace quickens. Rebel Red, another 8-1 shot ridden by Jose Ortiz, adds further depth to the field, hoping to capitalize on any weaknesses in the leaders.
