2026 Gotham Stakes Odds, Field Analysis, Date and Time
As a premier stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the 2026 Gotham Stakes offers a massive 50-point windfall to the winner, virtually punching their ticket to Churchill Downs. This Grade 3 event is unique among Kentucky Derby preps, contested as a grueling one-turn mile at Aqueduct Racetrack that tests both raw sprinting speed and middle-distance resolve. For horseplayers, finding the best Gotham Stakes odds means identifying which three-year-olds can handle the “Big A” dirt, a surface known for rewarding horses with high cruising speeds rather than pure closing kick.
Official Schedule and How to Watch the 2026 Gotham Stakes
The 2026 Gotham Stakes is the anchor of a high-stakes Saturday card on February 28, 2026. Typically positioned as the 10th race with a post time of 5:18 PM ET, the event is a centerpiece for New York horse racing fans. Viewers can catch the action and can also bet on the Gotham Stakes through our online racebook or watch the high-definition feed on the BUSR Experience platform. Ensure your wagers are in before the gate opens for this critical one-mile dash.
Expected Weather Conditions at Aqueduct Racetrack
The weather for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Aqueduct Race Track is sunny with a high of 45°F and a low of 32°F, with 6 mph winds from the south. While the daytime conditions are clear with 0% chance of rain, there is a 10% chance of snow at night. For those monitoring Gotham Stakes betting trends, the “Fast” track designation is expected to hold throughout the stakes sequence, favoring horses that can maintain a high pace without the hindrance of a muddy or sloppy surface.
Aqueduct Racecard Analysis for the Weekend
The Gotham Day program is a “Super Saturday” event featuring four major stakes with purses totaling over $800,000. Before the main event, bettors can find value in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Handicap, the Listed Stymie Stakes, and the Busher Stakes (a 50-point qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks). Analyzing the early races on the card is vital for any Gotham Stakes betting strategy, as it allows players to spot any potential “rail bias” or determine if the track is playing particularly fast for front-runners.
Historical Context and Past Winners of the Gotham
Since 1953, the Gotham Stakes has been a proving ground for legends. Secretariat’s 1973 victory, where he equaled the track record, remains the gold standard for this race. Other luminaries like Dr. Fager, Easy Goer, and Native Dancer have all used the Gotham as a springboard to Triple Crown success. More recently, winners like Deterministic (2024) have proven that the one-turn mile requires a specific “miler” build. Reviewing these past performances helps clarify why certain pedigrees thrive in the unique geometry of the Aqueduct main track.
Expert Betting Analysis: The Road to the Winner’s Circle
The 2026 edition highlights a regional clash between New York stalwarts and Florida shippers. Because Gotham is a one-turn mile, it often plays like a “long sprint,” punishing those who lack tactical speed. Our OPI (Optimal Performance Index) ratings suggest that the “Key Race” graduates from December hold a significant class edge. When looking for Gotham Stakes odds value, prioritize horses with proven track affinity at Aqueduct over those shipping in from warmer climates who have never faced the deep, sandy New York surface.
PP #1 Balboa (6-1)
Balboa enters as a “Hard Filter” candidate for Brittany Russell, bringing high-level experience from his second-place finish in the Jerome Stakes. While he has yet to win at Aqueduct, his 6-1 Gotham Stakes odds represent significant value given his proximity to top-tier Derby prospects like Paladin. Sheldon Russell will need to be aggressive from the rail to avoid being pinned, making this a “do-or-die” tactical spot for the $875,000 yearling purchase.
PP #2 Hammond (5-1)
Saffie Joseph Jr. brings Hammond up from Gulfstream Park following a solid third in the Swale Stakes. While he showed blistering speed at seven furlongs, the final eighth of a mile remains a question mark for this sprinter-type. Ridden by Jaime Rodriguez, Hammond is the ultimate “Shipper Filter” test; if he can translate his Florida speed to the New York winter dirt, he could lead them deep into the stretch.
PP #3 Crown the Buckeye (4-1)
Conditioned by Mike Maker, Crown the Buckeye is a pace-dependent runner looking to rebound from a fading effort in the Lecomte Stakes. Moving back to a one-turn mile should benefit his high-speed style, and with Ricardo Santana Jr. in the irons, expect him to be part of the early “suicide pace.” At 4-1 Gotham Stakes odds, he is the primary target for the mid-pack stalkers if the front-runners begin to tire at the top of the lane.
PP #4 Fourth and One (20-1)
Jeremiah Englehart’s Fourth and One is the field’s primary longshot, seeking redemption after a distant finish in the Withers Stakes. While the 20-1 Gotham Stakes betting price is high, the cutback in distance is his best chance for an improved speed figure. He requires a total pace collapse to hit the board, but his presence ensures the early fractions remain honest for the favorites.
PP #5 Right to Party (8-1)
Right to Party is the “Dark Horse” of the field for Kenny McPeek. He is one of the few runners with a perfect 1-for-1 record at this exact track and distance. Although his maiden win time was modest, his OPI stamina ratings are among the highest in the field. If you bet on Gotham Stakes with an eye on the trifecta, this Constitution colt is a mandatory inclusion, especially if the early leaders duel through fractions of 45 seconds or faster.
PP #6 Iron Honor (6-5)
The authoritative favorite, Iron Honor, is a Chad Brown trainee coming off a dominant debut score. Boasting a field-best 95 Beyer Speed Figure, he possesses the “Stalker’s Advantage” (the ability to sit just off the lead and pounce). Manny Franco is back in the saddle, and at 6-5 Gotham Stakes odds, he is the logical anchor for all multi-race wagers. His pedigree and local performance make him the clear horse to beat.
PP #7 Exhibition Only (15-1)
Rudy Rodriguez-trained Exhibition Only is a classic “Dirt Convert.” After three losses on the turf, he switched surfaces to win by nearly eight lengths last time out. While he faces a major class hike here, his 15-1 price tag is enticing for those who believe his recent speed figure was a true breakthrough. He provides the “speed from the outside” that could complicate the trip for the internal favorites.
PP #8 Creole Chrome (SCR)
Note to bettors: Creole Chrome has been scratched from the 2026 Gotham Stakes. Trainer Joe Sharp has opted to keep the horse in the Midwest. This removal significantly alters the Gotham Stakes betting landscape, as it eliminates a major early speed threat, potentially giving the stalking favorites a smoother trip.
PP #9 Dirty Rich (10-1)
Dirty Rich ships in for Peter Miller after a mixed performance at Oaklawn Park. Ridden by Ramon Vazquez, he brings an outside-in tactical approach that could see him clearing the field early. However, his ability to sustain that run through the final furlong at Aqueduct remains questionable. At 10-1 Gotham Stakes odds, he represents a high-risk, high-reward “wild card” for exotic bettors.
Betting Strategy: How to Maximize Your ROI
The strategy for this year’s Gotham revolves around the strength of the “Big A” locals. We recommend a “Cold Exacta” using Iron Honor over Right to Party, leaning on track affinity and distance experience. For larger payouts, look for “overlays” in the Place pool for Balboa. Always monitor the late Gotham Stakes betting pools; if the track has been playing toward speed all day, the value on front-runners like Crown the Buckeye increases exponentially.
Don’t Miss the Weekend’s Gothic Action in New York
The 2026 Gotham Stakes promises to be a high-velocity encounter that will reshape the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. With 50 points and a $300,000 purse on the line, the drama at Aqueduct will be unrivaled this Saturday. Whether you are backing the heavy favorite Iron Honor or searching for a longshot like Right to Party, the Gotham remains the ultimate test of three-year-old speed. Secure your Gotham Stakes odds today and prepare for one of the most exciting miles in New York racing.
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