Poker Stakes Explained

Surface:Turf
Class:Grade III
Horse Race:Poker Stakes
Location:Belmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated:1983
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:NYRA
Distance:1 mile (8 furlongs)
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Four-year-olds and older
Weight:124lbs with allowances
Purse:US$200,000 (2023)

The Poker Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for horses aged four years old and older held over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs) on the turf held annually in mid June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

History

The event is named in honor of Poker[1] who defeated champions Assagai and his stablemate Buckpasser in the 1967 Bowling Green Handicap at Belmont Park. More importantly Poker became a Champion Broodmare Sire. Poker was a son of the top-class sire and broodmare sire Round Table. Poker's daughters produced numerous champions including champion sire Seattle Slew. The latter twice topped the US broodmare sires list, and his daughters have produced a host of champions. Poker is also the maternal grandsire of US champion, Silver Charm, as well as the useful sire, Lomond (himself a champion sire in Italy).[2]

The inaugural running of the Poker Stakes was on 25 September 1983 and was won by the Gasper S. Moshera trained Freon in a time of 2:03 over the distance of a mile and a quarter on the turf. The following year the event was not held but in 1985 it was run over the miles distance.[3]

The event was classified as Grade III in 1988 and has held this class since.[4]

The event was not held in 2010.[3]

Several fine horses have appeared in this event including Volponi who won the event in 2007 and later won the Breeders' Cup Classic in the same year. Also Kip Deville winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile in 2007 featured in this event 2008 winning easily as the short odds on favorite and giving up to eleven pounds to his competitors. Caress and the Australian bred mare Oleksandra are the only mares to have won this race.[4] Oleksandra was having her last start in her career due to being in foal to the sire Into Mischief.[5]

In 2024 the event was moved to Saratoga Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park.[6]

Records

Speed record:

This time is a course record for Belmont's Widener Turf Course, and ties the North American record for one mile on the turf.

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Saratoga – Poker Stakes
align=center 2024Ice Chocolat (BRZ) align=center 6Irad Ortiz Jr.Mark E. CasseGary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Peter Deutschalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.97align=center $350,000align=center III[7]
At Belmont Park
align=center 2023Emmanuel align=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.Todd A. Pletcheralign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.25align=center $200,000align=center III[8]
align=center 2022Masen (GB)align=center 4Flavien PratChad C. BrownJuddmonte Farmsalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.16align=center $242,500align=center III[9]
align=center 2021align=center 7Joel RosarioNeil D. DrysdaleTeam Valor Internationalalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.11align=center $250,000align=center III[10]
align=center 2020Social Paranoia align=center 4José L. OrtizTodd A. PletcherThe Elkstone Groupalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.30align=center $150,000align=center III[11]
align=center 2019Gucci Factoralign=center 4Joel RosarioChristophe ClementCastleton Lyonsalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.54align=center $300,000align=center III[12]
align=center 2018align=center 4José L. OrtizBrian A. LynchAmerman Racingalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:31.23align=center $300,000align=center III[13]
align=center 2017Ballagh Rocksalign=center 4Jose LezcanoWilliam I. MottDonegal Racingalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.98align=center $294,000align=center III[14]
align=center 2016Obviously (IRE)align=center 8Jose LezcanoPhilip D'AmatoAnthony Fanticola & Joseph Sardino align=center 1 milealign=center 1:31.65align=center $300,000align=center III[15]
align=center 2015King Kreesaalign=center 6José L. OrtizDavid G. DonkSusan & Gerald Kresaalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.48align=center $300,000align=center III[16]
align=center 2014§ Jack Miltonalign=center 4Javier CastellanoTodd A. PletcherGary Barberalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.09align=center $300,000align=center III[17]
align=center 2013King Kreesaalign=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.G & S Kresaalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.65align=center $150,000align=center III[18]
align=center 2012Clear Attemptalign=center 4Jose LezcanoWilliam I. MottPam & Martin Wygodalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.01align=center $150,000align=center III[19]
align=center 2011Courageous Catalign=center 5Jose LezcanoWilliam I. MottPam & Martin Wygodalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.69align=center $98,000align=center III[20]
2010Race not held
align=center 2009Sailor's Capalign=center 4Alan GarciaJames J. TonerTeam Valoralign=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.50align=center $103,500align=center III[21]
Poker Handicap
align=center 2008Kip Devillealign=center 5Richard E. Dutrow Jr.IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holding Group Stables, J. Roberts & A. & S. Cohenalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.94align=center $106,300align=center III[22]
align=center 2007Art Masteralign=center 6Garrett K. GomezRobert J. FrankelJuddmonte Farmsalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.21align=center $112,600align=center III[23]
align=center 2006Rebel Rebel (IRE)align=center 4Edgar S. PradoRichard E. Dutrow Jr.IEAH Stables & Resolute Group Stablesalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.34align=center $110,900align=center III[24]
align=center 2005Mr. Light (ARG)align=center 6Cornelio VelásquezAngel A. Penna Jr.Earle I. Mackalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.18align=center $111,800align=center III[25]
align=center 2004Christine's Outlawalign=center 4Shaun BridgmohanGeorge WeaverR.C. Hill Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.46align=center $112,600align=center III[26]
align=center 2003War Zonealign=center 4Javier CastellanoRobert J. FrankelJuddmonte Farmsalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.81align=center $116,200align=center III[27]
align=center 2002Volponialign=center 4Shaun BridgmohanPhilip G. JohnsonAmherst Stable & Spruce Pond Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.24align=center $111,200align=center III[28]
align=center 2001Affirmed Successalign=center 7Jerry D. BaileyAlbert Fried Jr.align=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.60align=center $110,400 align=center III[29]
align=center 2000Affirmed Successalign=center 6Jorge F. ChavezRichard E. SchosbergAlbert Fried Jr.align=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.06align=center $113,800align=center III[30]
align=center 1999Rob 'n Ginalign=center 5Jorge F. ChavezRobert BarbaraSabine Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.81align=center $115,200align=center III[31]
align=center 1998Elusive Qualityalign=center 5Jerry D. BaileyWilliam I. MottMohammed al Maktoumalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:31.63align=center $85,400align=center III[32]
align=center 1997Draw Shotalign=center 4Chris AntleyAngel A. Penna Jr.Francis Santangeloalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.08align=center $85,575align=center III[33]
align=center 1996Smooth Runneralign=center 5Julie KroneRichard C. MetteeHerbert Allenalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.60align=center $86,000align=center III[34]
Poker Stakes
align=center 1995ƒ Caressalign=center 4Robbie DavisH. Allen JerkensHarbor View Farmalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.35align=center $85,050align=center III[35]
align=center 1994Dominant Prospectalign=center 4Jorge F. ChavezGary SciaccaCharles A. Coroniaalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:32.69align=center $83,176align=center III[36]
align=center 1993Fourstardavealign=center 8Richard MiglioreLeo O'BrienRichard M. Bomzealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.02align=center $88,650align=center III[37]
align=center 1992Scott the Greatalign=center 6Jean-Luc SamynWilliam HebertAugust F. Russoalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.27align=center $91,350align=center III[38]
align=center 1991Who's to Payalign=center 5Jerry D. BaileyMacKenzie MillerRokeby Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.40align=center $93,600align=center III[39]
align=center 1990Scottish Monkalign=center 7Ángel Cordero Jr.Steven T. JerkensCedar Valle Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.40align=center $86,850align=center III[40]
align=center 1989Fourstardavealign=center 4José A. SantosLeo O'BrienRichard M. Bomzealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:33.20align=center $94,350align=center III[41]
align=center 1988Wanderkinalign=center 5José A. SantosRichard O'ConnellPoma Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:35.60align=center $91,200align=center III[42]
align=center 1987Double Feintalign=center 4José A. SantosLeRoy JolleyPeter M. Brantalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:35.20align=center $57,200align=center [43]
align=center 1986Island Sunalign=center 4Richard MigliorePatrick J. KellyLive Oak Plantation Racingalign=center milesalign=center 2:02.40align=center $55,500align=center [44]
align=center 1985Mr. Chromacopyalign=center 4Jean CruguetFrank Martin Sr.Harbor View Farmalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.40align=center $55,700align=center [45]
1984Race not held
align=center 1983Freonalign=center 6Robbie DavisGasper S. MoscheraAnn Territo align=center milesalign=center 2:03.20align=center $41,450 align=center [46]

Legend:

Notes:
§ Ran as part of an entry
ƒ Filly or Mare

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: POKER (USA) b. H, 1963 – 36 Starts, 7 Wins, 4 Places, 4 Shows Career Earnings: $111,097 . Thoroughbred Pedigree Online . 2020 . 30 June 2020.
  2. Web site: The Importance Of Broodmare Sires . Sporting Post . Summerhill Stud (South Africa) . 30 November 2011 . 30 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Poker Stakes (Gr. 3) . equibase . 2020 . 30 June 2020.
  4. Web site: POKER STAKES – MULTIPLE TRACKS . Thoroughbred Pedigree Online . 2020 . 30 June 2020.
  5. Web site: BloodHorse Staff . Oleksandra Upsets Raging Bull in Poker . BloodHorse.com . 21 June 2021 . 20 June 2021.
  6. Web site: NYRA sets 2024 calendar, with Belmont Stakes at Saratoga . nyra.com . . 5 May 2024 . January 24, 2024.
  7. Web site: 2024 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5). Equibase . 8 June 2024 . 10 June 2024.
  8. Web site: 2023 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5). Equibase . 10 June 2023 . 10 June 2023.
  9. Web site: 2022 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6). Equibase . 18 June 2022 . 18 June 2022.
  10. Web site: 2021 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9). Equibase . 20 June 2021 . 21 June 2021.
  11. Web site: 2020 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2020 . 5 July 2020.
  12. Web site: 2019 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 16 June 2019 . 30 June 2020.
  13. Web site: 2018 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 17 June 2018 . 30 June 2020.
  14. Web site: 2017 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 18 June 2017 . 30 June 2020.
  15. Web site: 2016 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 4) . Equibase . 18 June 2016 . 30 June 2020.
  16. Web site: 2015 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5) . Equibase . 13 June 2015 . 30 June 2020.
  17. Web site: 2014 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 26 May 2014 . 30 June 2020.
  18. Web site: 2013 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 4 July 2013 . 30 June 2020.
  19. Web site: 2012 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 4 July 2012 . 30 June 2020.
  20. Web site: 2011 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 10 June 2011 . 30 June 2020.
  21. Web site: 2009 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 14 June 2009 . 30 June 2020.
  22. Web site: 2008 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 4) . Equibase . 13 July 2008 . 30 June 2020.
  23. Web site: 2007 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 14 July 2007 . 30 June 2020.
  24. Web site: 2006 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 2 July 2006 . 30 June 2020.
  25. Web site: 2005 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 3 July 2005 . 30 June 2020.
  26. Web site: 2004 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 10 July 2004 . 30 June 2020.
  27. Web site: 2003 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 5 July 2003 . 30 June 2020.
  28. Web site: 2002 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 5 July 2002 . 30 June 2020.
  29. Web site: 2001 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7) . Equibase . 4 July 2001 . 30 June 2020.
  30. Web site: 2000 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2000 . 30 June 2020.
  31. Web site: 1999 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7) . Equibase . 3 July 1999 . 30 June 2020.
  32. Web site: 1998 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 1998 . 30 June 2020.
  33. Web site: 1997 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 1997 . 30 June 2020.
  34. Web site: 1996 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 1996 . 30 June 2020.
  35. Web site: 1995 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 1995 . 30 June 2020.
  36. Web site: 1994 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7) . Equibase . 4 July 1994 . 30 June 2020.
  37. Web site: 1993 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 26 June 1993 . 30 June 2020.
  38. Web site: 1992 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 27 June 1992 . 30 June 2020.
  39. Web site: 1991 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 30 June 1991 . 30 June 2020.
  40. News: Belmont Racing Charts (1990 Poker Stakes – race 7: held 4 July 1990) . New York Daily News. 5 July 1990 . 30 June 2020 . 91.
  41. News: Belmont Racing Charts (1989 Poker Stakes – race 7: held 4 July 1989) . New York Daily News. 5 July 1989 . 30 June 2020 . 61.
  42. News: Personal Flag Nabs Suburban (1988 Poker Stakes – race 7: held 4 July 1988) . . The Courier-Journal. 5 July 1988 . 30 June 2020 . 11.
  43. News: Double Feint Wins Poker (1987 Poker Stakes – race 8: held 19 June 1987) . . Hartford Courant. 20 June 1987 . 30 June 2020 . 35.
  44. News: Island Sun easily Wins Poker Stake at Belmont (1986 Poker Stakes – race 8: held 21 May 1986) . . The Courier-Journal. 22 May 1986 . 30 June 2020 . 35.
  45. News: Belmont Racing Charts (1985 Poker Stakes – race 6: held 18 May 1985) . New York Daily News. 19 May 1985 . 30 June 2020 . 89.
  46. Inaugural Running of the Poker Stakes News: Belmont Racing Charts (1983 Poker Stakes – race 6: held 24 September 1983) . . 25 September 1983 . 30 June 2020 . 246.

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