Poker Stakes

Last updated
Poker Stakes
Grade III race
Location Belmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated1983
Race type Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website NYRA
Race information
Distance1 mile (8 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFour-year-olds and older
Weight124lbs with allowances
PurseUS$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.

Contents

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 2:031⁄5 over the distance of a mile and a quarter on the turf. [3] The following year the event was not held but in 1985 it was run over the 1+1⁄16 miles distance. [4]

The event was classified as Grade III in 1988 and has held this class since. [5]

The event was not held in 2010. [4]

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. [6] Caress and the Australian bred mare Oleksandra are the only mares to have won this race. [5] Oleksandra was having her last start in her career due to being in foal to the sire Into Mischief. [7]

In 2024 the event was moved to Saratoga Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park. [8]

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
2024Ice Chocolat (BRZ)6 Irad Ortiz Jr. Mark E. Casse Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Peter Deutsch1 mile1:33.97$350,000III [9]
At Belmont Park
2023Emmanuel4 Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Siena Farm & WinStar Farm 1 mile1:34.25$200,000III [10]
2022Masen (GB)4 Flavien Prat Chad C. Brown Juddmonte Farms 1 mile1:34.16$242,500III [11]
2021ƒ Oleksandra (AUS) 7 Joel Rosario Neil D. Drysdale Team Valor International 1 mile1:32.11$250,000III [12]
2020Social Paranoia4 José L. Ortiz Todd A. Pletcher The Elkstone Group1 mile1:36.30$150,000III [13]
2019Gucci Factor4 Joel Rosario Christophe Clement Castleton Lyons1 mile1:32.54$300,000III [14]
2018Oscar Performance4 José L. Ortiz Brian A. LynchAmerman Racing1 mile1:31.23$300,000III [15]
2017Ballagh Rocks4 Jose Lezcano William I. Mott Donegal Racing1 mile1:34.98$294,000III [16]
2016Obviously (IRE) 8 Jose Lezcano Philip D'AmatoAnthony Fanticola & Joseph Sardino1 mile1:31.65$300,000III [17]
2015King Kreesa6 José L. Ortiz David G. DonkSusan & Gerald Kresa1 mile1:33.48$300,000III [18]
2014§ Jack Milton4 Javier Castellano Todd A. Pletcher Gary Barber1 mile1:33.09$300,000III [19]
2013King Kreesa4 Irad Ortiz Jr. Jeremiah C. EnglehartG & S Kresa1 mile1:33.65$150,000III [20]
2012Clear Attempt4 Jose Lezcano William I. Mott Pam & Martin Wygod1 mile1:34.01$150,000III [21]
2011Courageous Cat5 Jose Lezcano William I. Mott Pam & Martin Wygod1 mile1:36.69$98,000III [22]
2010Race not held
2009Sailor's Cap4 Alan Garcia James J. Toner Team Valor 1 mile1:36.50$103,500III [23]
Poker Handicap
2008 Kip Deville 5 Cornelio Velásquez Richard E. Dutrow Jr. IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holding Group Stables, J. Roberts & A. & S. Cohen1 mile1:32.94$106,300III [6]
2007Art Master6 Garrett K. Gomez Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms 1 mile1:33.21$112,600III [24]
2006Rebel Rebel (IRE) 4 Edgar S. Prado Richard E. Dutrow Jr. IEAH Stables & Resolute Group Stables1 mile1:33.34$110,900III [25]
2005Mr. Light (ARG) 6 Cornelio Velásquez Angel A. Penna Jr. Earle I. Mack 1 mile1:32.18$111,800III [26]
2004Christine's Outlaw4 Shaun Bridgmohan George WeaverR.C. Hill Stable1 mile1:32.46$112,600III [27]
2003War Zone4 Javier Castellano Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms 1 mile1:32.81$116,200III [28]
2002 Volponi 4 Shaun Bridgmohan Philip G. Johnson Amherst Stable & Spruce Pond Stable1 mile1:32.24$111,200III [29]
2001Affirmed Success7 Jerry D. Bailey Richard E. SchosbergAlbert Fried Jr.1 mile1:34.60$110,400III [30]
2000Affirmed Success6 Jorge F. Chavez Richard E. SchosbergAlbert Fried Jr.1 mile1:34.06$113,800III [31]
1999Rob 'n Gin5 Jorge F. Chavez Robert BarbaraSabine Stable1 mile1:32.81$115,200III [32]
1998Elusive Quality5 Jerry D. Bailey William I. Mott Mohammed al Maktoum 1 mile1:31.63$85,400III [33]
1997Draw Shot4 Chris Antley Angel A. Penna Jr.Francis Santangelo1 mile1:33.08$85,575III [34]
1996Smooth Runner5 Julie Krone Richard C. MetteeHerbert Allen1 mile1:33.60$86,000III [35]
Poker Stakes
1995ƒ Caress4 Robbie Davis H. Allen Jerkens Harbor View Farm 1 mile1:34.35$85,050III [36]
1994Dominant Prospect4 Jorge F. Chavez Gary Sciacca Charles A. Coronia1 mile1:32.69$83,176III [37]
1993 Fourstardave 8 Richard Migliore Leo O'BrienRichard M. Bomze1 mile1:33.02$88,650III [38]
1992Scott the Great6 Jean-Luc Samyn William HebertAugust F. Russo1 mile1:33.27$91,350III [39]
1991Who's to Pay5 Jerry D. Bailey MacKenzie Miller Rokeby Stable 1 mile1:33.40$93,600III [40]
1990Scottish Monk7 Ángel Cordero Jr. Steven T. JerkensCedar Valle Stable1 mile1:33.40$86,850III [41]
1989 Fourstardave 4 José A. Santos Leo O'BrienRichard M. Bomze1 mile1:33.20$94,350III [42]
1988Wanderkin5 José A. Santos Richard O'ConnellPoma Stable1 mile1:35.60$91,200III [43]
1987Double Feint4 José A. Santos LeRoy Jolley Peter M. Brant 1 mile1:35.20$57,200 [44]
1986Island Sun4 Richard Migliore Patrick J. KellyLive Oak Plantation Racing1+1⁄4 miles2:02.40$55,500 [45]
1985Mr. Chromacopy4 Jean Cruguet Frank Martin Sr. Harbor View Farm 1+1⁄16 miles1:42.40$55,700 [46]
1984Race not held
1983Freon6 Robbie Davis Gasper S. MoscheraAnn Territo1+1⁄4 miles2:03.20$41,450 [3]

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

See also

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References

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