This upcoming Saturday at Belmont Park's Widener course will host the highly anticipated $175,000 Awad Stakes, drawing a competitive field of nine talented two-year-old turf horses. This six-furlong sprint will showcase the next generation of racing stars, with each contender bringing a unique blend of form, pedigree, and potential. The race is prominently headlined by Brad Cox's trainee, Titan Ready, whose recent maiden victory at Belmont has set him apart as a leading candidate. However, the field is deep with other promising juveniles, each with their own compelling narratives and tactical advantages. The Awad Stakes, a tribute to the illustrious 1995 Arlington Million champion, consistently delivers thrilling contests and offers a glimpse into the future of horse racing, making it a must-watch event for enthusiasts.
Juvenile Turf Stars Collide in the Awad Stakes at Belmont Park
On a crisp Saturday, November 13, 2026, at precisely 1:50 PM, the historic Belmont Park will be the stage for the $175,000 Awad Stakes. Nine exceptional young turf horses will challenge each other on the renowned Widener course in a six-furlong dash for glory. The spotlight shines brightly on Titan Ready, trained by the esteemed Brad Cox, who enters this contest on the heels of a dominant maiden victory at Belmont just eight weeks prior. Prior to that breakthrough, Titan Ready demonstrated consistent form with three consecutive second-place finishes, including commendable efforts in the Victoria Stakes at Woodbine and the Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga.
This prestigious race honors the memory of Awad, the legendary winner of the 1995 Arlington Million, who etched his name in history by setting a course record. Trained by David Donk, this Maryland-bred son of Belmont Stakes victor Caveat was a true iron horse, competing in the Breeders’ Cup Turf three times. With 14 wins from 70 starts, including four Grade 1 victories, and career earnings exceeding $3.27 million, Awad's legacy inspires the young talents of today.
The field for the 2026 Awad Stakes is stacked with formidable contenders:
1. Just Joe (6-1) - George Weaver/Flavien Prat: This colt has shown improvement after cutting back in distance in his recent sprints. While his maiden win at Kentucky Downs was impressive, his early pace in previous stakes races raises questions about his ability to stay with the front-runners in this competitive field.
2. More Champagne (3-1) - Tom Morley/Edgard Zayas: A striking debut winner, this filly faced a challenging trip to Royal Ascot but bounced back with a solid third in the Matron. Her training on Tapeta suggests adaptability, but her subsequent stakes performances haven't matched her initial brilliance, and she faces a stronger male contingent here.
3. Metallican (12-1) - Jamie Ness/Ruben Silvera: Undefeated in three starts at Timonium and Laurel Park, this Maryland-bred has steadily improved with each outing. Trainer Jamie Ness's reputation for shipping in dangerous contenders makes him one to watch, though his previous wins came against less formidable competition.
4. Riyadh Way (8-1) - Tareq Moubarak/Heriberto Figueroa: After a dominant turf debut, he showcased versatility by coming from off the pace to win his stakes debut despite traffic. This $7,000 yearling purchase has exceeded expectations, but his Gulfstream Park form on a different turf surface presents a potential challenge at Belmont.
5. Titan Ready (2-1) - Brad Cox/Manny Franco: The favorite, Titan Ready, showed strong performances on all-weather surfaces before thriving under Brad Cox. His easy maiden win at Belmont with Manny Franco back in the saddle solidifies his position as the horse to beat. However, his speed-oriented style might lead to a contested early pace, and his history of second-place finishes could be a concern.
6. Reza (5-1) - Tareq Moubarak/Javier Castellano: A stablemate to Riyadh Way, Reza's debut win on an all-weather track suggests potential for improvement on turf. Despite a quick turnaround from his last race at Churchill Downs, the competition here is tougher than his previous allowance fields, and the extended distance might be a factor.
7. McMoon (30-1) - Chandradat Goberdhan/Christopher Elliott: A one-dimensional speed horse, McMoon faces a stiff challenge against a field of fast two-year-olds. His maiden win came against cheaper competition, and his lone turf effort was subpar, making him an outsider in this field.
8. Moneta Agenda (30-1) - Joseph Murphy/Jean Gregor Briceno: His sole victory came in a turf sprint stakes, indicating a preference for the surface and distance. With a strong early pace expected, he could be closing late, but his overall form and speed figures appear to be the lowest among the contenders.
9. Arctic Wolf (6-1) - Jack Sisterson/Kendrick Carmouche: This Frosted colt has traveled extensively, with solid performances across New York, Kentucky, and California. His recent stakes win in California marked his best performance yet, but he faces a stronger field with other speed contenders vying for the front.
The Awad Stakes promises a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, where strategies, adaptability, and raw speed will determine who claims victory on the hallowed grounds of Belmont Park.
The Awad Stakes serves as a pivotal moment for these young competitors, offering a glimpse into their potential future in the sport. Each race, especially one with such a diverse and talented field, highlights the intricate balance of breeding, training, and race-day strategy. For fans, it's an opportunity to witness the development of future champions and appreciate the dedication required to bring these magnificent animals to their peak performance. The analysis of each horse's strengths and weaknesses provides valuable insights, reminding us that in horse racing, every detail matters, and the thrill lies in the unpredictable nature of the competition.