Published Jun 3, 4:53am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 3, 4:53am ET
Credit: AI Generated
Updated Jun 3, 4:53am ET
There are few better cards in horse racing this side of the Breeders’ Cup than what Saratoga is offering on June 6. The afternoon is headlined by the 2026 Belmont Stakes, but captivating Grade 1 races are also included on the undercard. You can find the odds our picks for the Metropolitan Handicap here.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Nysos | +150 |
| Journalism | +333 |
| Knightsbridge | +350 |
| Antiquarian | +900 |
| Saudi Crown | +1100 |
| Rated By Merit | +1400 |
| Vibe | +2000 |
ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026 Outright Winner Odds, Preview, and Picks
Recent Winners
The Metropolitan Handicap has thrown up some sensational winners in recent years, including subsequent Breeders’ Cup champions Flightline and Cody’s Wish. This year’s renewal looks a fascinating renewal, with multiple Grade One winners involved.
Bob Baffert-trained Nysos will be red-hot favorite this weekend. The five-year-old is a six-time winner in stakes company, and was an excellent winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at the end of last season. He drops back down to a mile after finishing second behind Forever Young in the G1 Saudi Cup. First trip to Saratoga is a concern.
Journalism was the winner of the Belmont Stakes on this card 12 months ago, and this weekend he drops back to a mile for the first time. Has come up short against the very best horses over further, including when third behind White Abarrio in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap on reappearance. Should come on for the run, but the mile poses questions.
Knightsbridge could be the forgotten horse in this field for William Mott. The five-year-old has dazzled over a mile, winning at short odds on three straight starts at Gulfstream in the past seven months. Was beaten six lengths over seven furlongs when upped in grade in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes last month. This trip should suit the Nyquist colt better.
Vibe is one of the more unknown quantities in this race, but he was impressive for the Todd Pletcher team on his last start. Saudi Crown has won on back-to-back starts at the start of 2026, but looks below the Grade One level, and is now six.
With all the focus on Journalism, it could be another previous course winner that provides value. Antiquarian has typically saved his best performances for this track, including when producing a stunning effort to beat Sierra Leone in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup last August.
Made a striking impression on his seasonal return over the mile when easily pulling clear of Bishops Bay to win by five lengths in the G3 Westchester Stakes. Proven Grade One performer and represents a yard that previously won the Metropolitan Handicap with Palace Malice in 2014.
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Pick
Antiquarian (+900)
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