The NY will be run on June 5, 2026, at Saratoga as a Grade I turf stake for fillies and mares four years old and upward, contested at 1 3/16 miles for a purse of $750.00. This race has a deep history as a major turf test, with recent winners including La Terrifiant, Camus, and Lady Hilltopper. Lady Hilltopper returns as the defending winner from 2025, while the field also includes Grade I-quality mares such as Credit Crime, Poetic Panther, November Storm, and Rain Rattle.

1. Lady Hilltopper — Black N Gold Stable — Jockey: Velazquez J R — Odds: 5/2

Lady Hilltopper enters as the defending winner and the most accomplished mare in the field, with 20 wins from 41 lifetime starts and earnings of $5,441.58. She has won 19 times on turf and 19 times at long-distance races, making this 1 3/16-mile turf assignment a natural fit. Her 2026 form is strong, with two wins and a third from three starts, including wins in the Hillsborough-G2 and PegFMT-G2 before finishing third in the Wiley-G1. Her proven Grade I record, elite turf numbers, and repeat-race angle make her the top choice.

2. Never In Charge — Jkk Racing Stables — Jockey: Ortiz J L — Odds: 15/1

Never In Charge owns a strong lifetime win record with five victories from eight starts, but the class and distance questions are real. She won a turf allowance at 1 1/8 miles on April 7, but her Very One-G3 effort at 1 3/8 miles on soft turf was poor, and her overall turf record is limited to two starts. She is capable when placed correctly, but this Grade I spot is much deeper than her recent win.

3. November Storm — Mb Stables — Jockey: Lopez P — Odds: 6/1

November Storm brings stamina and current form, having won the Bewitch-G3 at 1 1/2 miles and the Very One-G3 at 1 3/8 miles earlier this season. She is a proven long-distance turf mare with 10 wins and earnings of $1,807.98. The main concern is whether the cutback to 1 3/16 miles leaves her with enough pace to stay close before launching her best run. If the race develops with honest fractions, she becomes a serious late threat.

4. Credit Crime — Aer Stables — Jockey: Ortiz I Jr — Odds: 7/2

Credit Crime is dangerous because she has already proven she can win on turf and dirt at high levels. She won the Wiley-G1 at 1 1/16 miles on turf on April 11, then returned in the La Troienne-G1 on dirt and finished fifth. Her lifetime record is excellent, with 12 wins from 19 starts and earnings of $4,780.550. The distance is a question, but her class and tactical ability give her a major chance if she transfers her Wiley-G1 form to this longer trip.

5. Poetic Panther — Maletto — Jockey: Rodriguez Jam — Odds: 4/1

Poetic Panther is one of the most consistent turf mares in the field, with 13 wins, 13 seconds, and 7 thirds from 38 lifetime starts. She has been second in three straight major turf efforts, including the CDDiTM-G2, PegFMT-G2, and Matriarch-G1. Her 1 3/8-mile BCFMTf-G1 second behind Lady Hilltopper last year makes her a legitimate win candidate here. She may not have won recently, but her repeated high-level placings make her very live.

6. Itaintovertilitsover — TwinTowersRacing — Jockey: Bridgmohan S X — Odds: 20/1

Itaintovertilitsover comes in with only two wins from 17 starts, but her latest effort was useful when second in the ShpBay-G3 at 1 3/8 miles on turf. She has handled longer distances and owns a respectable turf profile, but she has not yet shown the same Grade I finishing power as the main contenders. She fits more as a late-running outsider who needs several favorites to underperform.

7. Rain Rattle — Bears Stable — Jockey: Fresu A — Odds: 8/1

Rain Rattle has been productive, winning 11 of 21 lifetime starts, including four wins from eight turf starts. She won the SntAna-G3 at 1 1/4 miles on turf in March and followed with a third in the Modesty-G3. She has enough tactical speed to be involved early and enough stamina to carry that speed over this trip. She is not as decorated as Lady Hilltopper or Poetic Panther, but her current campaign keeps her in the upset conversation.

Pace Structure And Race Outlook

Rain Rattle appears likely to be part of the early pace picture, with Poetic Panther and Credit Crime also capable of staying within striking range. Lady Hilltopper has shown she can settle and still produce a winning move, while November Storm and Itaintovertilitsover are more likely to benefit if the pace becomes demanding.

The projected winner is Lady Hilltopper. She has the strongest combination of proven Grade I turf class, distance suitability, current form, and prior success in this race. Poetic Panther is the main danger, Credit Crime is the sharp class threat, and November Storm is the closer most likely to benefit if the race stretches out late.

Projected Winner

Top Selection: Lady Hilltopper
Main Danger: Poetic Panther
Best Value: November Storm
Live Longshot: Rain Rattle

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES