Hopeful Stakes
The Hopeful Stakes were established in 1904 and represent the earliest Grade 1 event for juvenile racehorses in the United States. The event is scheduled for September each year and is run over seven furlongs (1400 metres) at Saratoga Racecourse which is located in Saratoga Springs NY, approximately 150 miles North of Manhattan NY. The main track at Saratoga is dirt surfaced with a circumference of 1 and 1/8 mile (1800 metres). From the starting gates runners negotiate a left handed turn which resolves quickly into a punishing back stretch. An on pace bias is apparent for most races on Saratoga's main track. It is therefore advantageous to secure a competitive position before entering the home stretch. The Hopeful Stakes are part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge and successful competitors qualify for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in November.
Winners
- 2021: Gunite (USA)
- 2020: Jackie's Warrior (USA)
- 2019: Basin (USA)
- 2018: Mind Control (USA)
- 2017: Sporting Chance (USA)
- 2016: Practical Joke (USA)
- 2015: Ralis (USA)
- 2014: Competitive Edge (USA)