Breathtaking stayed close to the pace throughout the Grade III Coronation Cup before prevailing by a neck for Big Guns Stables and jockey Prat F. Sent off at odds of 13-1, the three-year-old filly completed 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:02.78 and earned the first graded-stakes victory of her career.

Race Recap

The Grade III Coronation Cup was contested on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Saratoga over 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf. The five fillies competed for a purse of $225.000, with Breathtaking defeating Spruill and Franklymydearscarlet, who finished in a dead heat for second, followed by Sioux Spirit and Sims.

Franklymydearscarlet established the early advantage, but Breathtaking remained within one-quarter length through the opening stages. The same pair continued at the front through the second call, while Spruill held third, Sioux Spirit raced fourth, and Sims remained fifth.

Franklymydearscarlet still held a narrow advantage at the third call, with Breathtaking pressing closely and Spruill continuing just behind them. Breathtaking then moved ahead during the final portion and secured the victory. Spruill and Franklymydearscarlet reached the finish together in a dead heat for second.

The victory gave Big Guns Stables its first Coronation Cup.

The Running

Franklymydearscarlet led by one-quarter length at the opening call. Breathtaking followed in second, Spruill was third, Sioux Spirit held fourth, and Sims raced fifth.

At the second call, Franklymydearscarlet continued to lead by one-quarter length. Breathtaking remained second and maintained direct pressure on the leader. Spruill stayed third, Sioux Spirit remained fourth, and Sims continued at the back of the compact field.

Franklymydearscarlet held only a nose advantage at the third call as Breathtaking drew nearly even. Spruill remained third, one-half length behind the leading pair. Sioux Spirit continued in fourth, while Sims remained fifth.

Breathtaking moved ahead during the final stage and completed the race in 1:02.78. Spruill advanced from third and reached the finish level with Franklymydearscarlet, producing a dead heat for second. Sioux Spirit held fourth, and Sims finished fifth.

Each Runner Mentioned

Breathtaking stayed second through the first three calls, moved past Franklymydearscarlet during the final stage, and earned a neck victory.

Spruill raced third throughout most of the contest before advancing late and finishing in a dead heat for second.

Franklymydearscarlet led through the opening three calls and held on to share second after being passed by Breathtaking.

Sioux Spirit remained fourth at every call and completed the race in that position.

Sims, the post-time favorite, raced fifth throughout and finished one length behind Sioux Spirit.

Breathtaking is by Breath Of The Wild out of Blue Eyed Baby(1), was bred in New York by Big Guns Stables, and is currently owned and trained by Big Guns Stables. The Coronation Cup victory improved her lifetime record to 10 starts with four wins and three thirds, with career earnings of $455.400.

Track: Firm
Time: :22²  :45¹  :56⁴  1:02³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 1 – 2 Paid 23.00, 1 – 3 Paid 14.80
$1 Trifecta: 1 – 2 – 3 Paid 149.60, 1 – 3 – 2 Paid 50.50

Scratched: None

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES