all in The Sport

Presque Isle Downs could not have scripted a much better start when it rolled out the inaugural Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes in 2007. The first edition of the race was won by Miss Macy Sue, who went on to run third in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint later that year.

I’ve seen thousands and thousands of horse races in person over the years but only a few dozen will forever endure among my memories as truly unforgettable. The 1986 edition of the Pennsylvania Derby won by Broad Brush was one such race.

It’s been 40 years since I sat in the grandstand of what was then called Philadelphia Park in anticipation of seeing one of the top 3-year-olds in the nation do his thing at one of my local tracks. Broad Brush would far exceed my expectations on that soggy afternoon in Bensalem, Pa.

Three-year-old fillies will get one last chance for Grade 1 laurels in their own division Saturday in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing. Contested at 1 1/16 miles, the Cotillion marks the last Grade 1 of the year on dirt restricted to 3-year-old fillies.

During two-plus months of exciting summer racing at Saratoga Race Course, we witnessed many talented 2-year-old Thoroughbreds deliver eye-catching victories suggesting they’re serious prospects for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, 2027 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, and 2027 Kentucky Oaks.

Which of these rising stars impressed the most? In reverse order, here’s how we rank the top five 2-year-olds who raced during the 2026 summer at Saratoga:

The $1 million Pennsylvania Derby is the final major stakes race on dirt restricted to 3-year-olds in 2026, and this year’s 46th edition Sept. 19 at Parx Racing drew a very competitive 11-horse field vying for a share of the race’s lucrative purse.

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