REDEMPTIOM FOR SOVEREIGNTY AND MUCH MORE ON AN UNFORGETTABLE WHITNEY WEEKEND

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL, August 10, 2026 – As I reflect on Whitney weekend my initial thought is that I might never shave seen a better long weekend of Th9roughbred Racing n a half-century of turf writing and public handicapping

Not hyperbole–I promise–just an honest assessment from the mind and heart.  My love for Whitney Stakes weekend was requnted in a big in 2026. Where to begin …

Seeing Todd Pletcher mark his program on Whitney Day awaiting a milestone that surely would come appear the least bit anxious. Finally, there it was, at the end of a racing day that required more than six hours to complete. It brought me back to my first interview with the #1 assistant to Darrell Wayne Lukas.

He was as thoughtful and intelligent as he was when expressing his thoughts following career win 6,000. Saturday evening.

Live and on tape, I am blessed to have been present for all of it.

There were the thoughts of his longtime go-to, Johnny Velasquez, when speaking on horseback after the 800^th graded stakes victory of his Hall of Fame career, which still would be a target were it not for the support of his Hall of Fame colleague — who he helped to reach his lofty milestone. A jockey-trainer 1-1A entry to be sure.

The current battle for the meet’s leading jockey among Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz, and older brother Irad who has spotted his rivals nearly seven days of racing and is within hailing distance with a month to go. And particularly enjoyed he emergence of Manny Frasco as the n circuit’s next elite rider.

I cannot recall seeing a top assistant make the transition to #1 any faster or better than Miguel Clement, who has become a young beacon for his sport, It goes without saying that he’s done so under extraordinary circumstances, the loss of a Hall of Fame teacher and father.  

Victories came early and often, winning stakes with a deft hand with turf and dirt stock, young and old–then winning the Hall of Fame Stakes on the afternoon of his father’s induction–then continuing the upward managememt of Deterministic started by his father to extend a win streak to six at disparate distances. He’s been a revelation.

W enjoyed the rebound victory by Bob Baffert’s Explora, his failed Kentucky Oaks filly who looked more than capable of defeating her elders in the BC Filly & Mare Sprint–her seven-furlong Grade 1 Test victory was that good.

Watching future Hall of Famers Chad Brown, Brad Cox and Linda Rice compile victory after recent victory was interesting to which would wind up on top at meet’s end. And, of course, the fascinating jockey battle among the meet’s leaders.

Despite all this, the redemption and ascension of Sovereignty to his deserving place at the top of the U.S. class was personally the most enjoyable and satisfying. Curiously, the lack of confidence that Hall of Fame Bill would not get Sovereignty back to tops in his third race of the year was headshaking.

Finally, the expert professionalism of partner Junior Alvarado, who asked his charge to revert to his come-from-the-clouds style was the most satisfying part of the defending Horse of the Year’s explosove finish.

And he will have to be, considering his next run will come against uber talented world traveler Forever Young before his projected career finale against the world’s best competition in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The 2026 Saratoga race meet has another month before reaching its conclusion until the sport renews itself at the new Belmont P

Chances are good that local racing historians will view the New York Summer and Fall racing seasons in tandem as the best ever presented.