Poker Stakes

Horse race

Poker StakesGrade III race

Location| Belmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated| 1983
Race type| Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website| NYRA
Race information
Distance| 1 mile (8 furlongs)
Surface| Turf
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[edit]

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]

## Records[edit]

Speed record:

* 1:31.23 – Oscar Performance (2018)

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:

* 7 lengths – Scottish Monk (1990)

Most wins:

* 2 – Fourstardave (1989, 1993)
* 2 – Affirmed Success (2000, 2001)
* 2 – King Kreesa (2013, 2015)

Most wins by an owner:

* 3 – Juddmonte Farms (2003, 2007, 2022)

Most wins by a jockey:

* 3 – José L. Ortiz (2015, 2018, 2020)
* 3 – Jose Lezcano (2011, 2012, 2016)
* 3 – Jerry Bailey (1991, 1998, 2001)
* 3 – Jorge Chavez (1994, 1999, 2000)
* 3 – José A. Santos (1987, 1988, 1989)

Most wins by a trainer:

* 4 – William I. Mott (1998, 2011, 2012, 2017)

## Winners[edit]

Year  | Winner  | Age  | Jockey  | Trainer  | Owner  | Distance  | Time  | Purse  | Grade  | Ref

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Poker Stakes
2023  | Emmanuel  | 4  | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | Siena Farm & WinStar Farm | 1 mile  | 1:34.25  | $200,000  | III  | [8]
2022  | Masen (GB)  | 4  | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile  | 1:34.16  | $242,500  | III  | [9]
2021  | ƒ Oleksandra (AUS) | 7  | Joel Rosario | Neil D. Drysdale | Team Valor International | 1 mile  | 1:32.11  | $250,000  | III  | [10]
2020  | Social Paranoia  | 4  | José L. Ortiz | Todd A. Pletcher | The Elkstone Group  | 1 mile  | 1:36.30  | $150,000  | III  | [11]
2019  | Gucci Factor  | 4  | Joel Rosario | Christophe Clement | Castleton Lyons  | 1 mile  | 1:32.54  | $300,000  | III  | [12]
2018  | Oscar Performance | 4  | José L. Ortiz | Brian A. Lynch  | Amerman Racing  | 1 mile  | 1:31.23  | $300,000  | III  | [13]
2017  | Ballagh Rocks  | 4  | Jose Lezcano | William I. Mott | Donegal Racing  | 1 mile  | 1:34.98  | $294,000  | III  | [14]
2016  | Obviously (IRE) | 8  | Jose Lezcano | Philip D'Amato  | Anthony Fanticola & Joseph Sardino  | 1 mile  | 1:31.65  | $300,000  | III  | [15]
2015  | King Kreesa  | 6  | José L. Ortiz | David G. Donk  | Susan & Gerald Kresa  | 1 mile  | 1:33.48  | $300,000  | III  | [16]
2014  | § Jack Milton  | 4  | Javier Castellano | Todd A. Pletcher | Gary Barber  | 1 mile  | 1:33.09  | $300,000  | III  | [17]
2013  | King Kreesa  | 4  | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Jeremiah C. Englehart | G & S Kresa  | 1 mile  | 1:33.65  | $150,000  | III  | [18]
2012  | Clear Attempt  | 4  | Jose Lezcano | William I. Mott | Pam & Martin Wygod  | 1 mile  | 1:34.01  | $150,000  | III  | [19]
2011  | Courageous Cat  | 5  | Jose Lezcano | William I. Mott | Pam & Martin Wygod  | 1 mile  | 1:36.69  | $98,000  | III  | [20]
2010  | Race not held
2009  | Sailor's Cap  | 4  | Alan Garcia | James J. Toner | Team Valor | 1 mile  | 1:36.50  | $103,500  | III  | [21]
Poker Handicap
2008  | Kip Deville | 5  | Cornelio Velásquez | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holding Group Stables, J. Roberts & A. & S. Cohen  | 1 mile  | 1:32.94  | $106,300  | III  | [6]
2007  | Art Master  | 6  | Garrett K. Gomez | Robert J. Frankel | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile  | 1:33.21  | $112,600  | III  | [22]
2006  | Rebel Rebel (IRE) | 4  | Edgar S. Prado | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | IEAH Stables & Resolute Group Stables  | 1 mile  | 1:33.34  | $110,900  | III  | [23]
2005  | Mr. Light (ARG) | 6  | Cornelio Velásquez | Angel A. Penna Jr.  | Earle I. Mack | 1 mile  | 1:32.18  | $111,800  | III  | [24]
2004  | Christine's Outlaw  | 4  | Shaun Bridgmohan | George Weaver  | R.C. Hill Stable  | 1 mile  | 1:32.46  | $112,600  | III  | [25]
2003  | War Zone  | 4  | Javier Castellano | Robert J. Frankel | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile  | 1:32.81  | $116,200  | III  | [26]
2002  | Volponi | 4  | Shaun Bridgmohan | Philip G. Johnson | Amherst Stable & Spruce Pond Stable  | 1 mile  | 1:32.24  | $111,200  | III  | [27]
2001  | Affirmed Success  | 7  | Jerry D. Bailey | Richard E. Schosberg | Albert Fried Jr.  | 1 mile  | 1:34.60  | $110,400  | III  | [28]
2000  | Affirmed Success  | 6  | Jorge F. Chavez | Richard E. Schosberg  | Albert Fried Jr.  | 1 mile  | 1:34.06  | $113,800  | III  | [29]
1999  | Rob 'n Gin  | 5  | Jorge F. Chavez | Robert Barbara  | Sabine Stable  | 1 mile  | 1:32.81  | $115,200  | III  | [30]
1998  | Elusive Quality  | 5  | Jerry D. Bailey | William I. Mott | Mohammed al Maktoum | 1 mile  | 1:31.63  | $85,400  | III  | [31]
1997  | Draw Shot  | 4  | Chris Antley | Angel A. Penna Jr.  | Francis Santangelo  | 1 mile  | 1:33.08  | $85,575  | III  | [32]
1996  | Smooth Runner  | 5  | Julie Krone | Richard C. Mettee  | Herbert Allen  | 1 mile  | 1:33.60  | $86,000  | III  | [33]
Poker Stakes
1995  | ƒ Caress  | 4  | Robbie Davis | H. Allen Jerkens | Harbor View Farm | 1 mile  | 1:34.35  | $85,050  | III  | [34]
1994  | Dominant Prospect  | 4  | Jorge F. Chavez | Gary Sciacca | Charles A. Coronia  | 1 mile  | 1:32.69  | $83,176  | III  | [35]
1993  | Fourstardave | 8  | Richard Migliore | Leo O'Brien  | Richard M. Bomze  | 1 mile  | 1:33.02  | $88,650  | III  | [36]
1992  | Scott the Great  | 6  | Jean-Luc Samyn | William Hebert  | August F. Russo  | 1 mile  | 1:33.27  | $91,350  | III  | [37]
1991  | Who's to Pay  | 5  | Jerry D. Bailey | MacKenzie Miller | Rokeby Stable | 1 mile  | 1:33.40  | $93,600  | III  | [38]
1990  | Scottish Monk  | 7  | Ángel Cordero Jr. | Steven T. Jerkens  | Cedar Valle Stable  | 1 mile  | 1:33.40  | $86,850  | III  | [39]
1989  | Fourstardave | 4  | José A. Santos | Leo O'Brien  | Richard M. Bomze  | 1 mile  | 1:33.20  | $94,350  | III  | [40]
1988  | Wanderkin  | 5  | José A. Santos | Richard O'Connell  | Poma Stable  | 1 mile  | 1:35.60  | $91,200  | III  | [41]
1987  | Double Feint  | 4  | José A. Santos | LeRoy Jolley | Peter M. Brant | 1 mile  | 1:35.20  | $57,200  |  | [42]
1986  | Island Sun  | 4  | Richard Migliore | Patrick J. Kelly  | Live Oak Plantation Racing  | 1+1⁄4 miles  | 2:02.40  | $55,500  |  | [43]
1985  | Mr. Chromacopy  | 4  | Jean Cruguet | Frank Martin Sr.  | Harbor View Farm | 1+1⁄16 miles  | 1:42.40  | $55,700  |  | [44]
1984  | Race not held
1983  | Freon  | 6  | Robbie Davis | Gasper S. Moschera  | Ann Territo  | 1+1⁄4 miles  | 2:03.20  | $41,450  |  | [3]

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

## See also[edit]

* List of American and Canadian Graded races

## References[edit]

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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "Poker Stakes (Gr. 3)". equibase. 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
5. ^ a b "POKER STAKES – MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
6. ^ a b "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. ^ "2023 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5)". Equibase. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
9. ^ "2022 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
10. ^ "2021 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 20 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
11. ^ "2020 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
12. ^ "2019 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 16 June 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
13. ^ "2018 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 17 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
14. ^ "2017 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 18 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
15. ^ "2016 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 4)". Equibase. 18 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
16. ^ "2015 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5)". Equibase. 13 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
17. ^ "2014 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
18. ^ "2013 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 4 July 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
19. ^ "2012 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 4 July 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
20. ^ "2011 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
21. ^ "2009 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 14 June 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
22. ^ "2007 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 14 July 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
23. ^ "2006 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 2 July 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
24. ^ "2005 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 3 July 2005. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
25. ^ "2004 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 10 July 2004. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
26. ^ "2003 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 5 July 2003. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
27. ^ "2002 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 5 July 2002. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
28. ^ "2001 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 4 July 2001. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
29. ^ "2000 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 2000. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
30. ^ "1999 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 3 July 1999. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
31. ^ "1998 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 1998. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
32. ^ "1997 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 1997. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
33. ^ "1996 Poker Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 1996. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
34. ^ "1995 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 July 1995. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
35. ^ "1994 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 4 July 1994. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
36. ^ "1993 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 26 June 1993. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
37. ^ "1992 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 27 June 1992. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
38. ^ "1991 Poker Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 30 June 1991. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
39. ^ "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.
40. ^ "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.
41. ^ "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.
42. ^ "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.
43. ^ "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.
44. ^ "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.