A stellar field of accomplished sprinters is set to clash in the Grade 3 True North Stakes at Saratoga, featuring a compelling rematch between Mullikin and Book’em Danno.
These two warhorses, who recently finished just a length apart in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes, are poised to vie for favoritism as they headline a competitive group of eight older horses.
The $400,000 True North, carded as the seventh race on Saturday with a post time of 2:37 PM ET, will be contested over six and a half furlongs on the main track.
The field also includes Grade 1 winner Nakatomi, returning from a stellar international performance, and recent Grade 2 Carter victor Crazy Mason, ensuring a thrilling and contentious affair for racing fans and handicappers alike.
The Field
1. Concrete Glory (8/1) – This gelding’s primary asset is his blistering early speed, which he has used to win 15 of his 36 career starts. However, his last race was a complete disaster as he turned his head and was unprepared at the start, a fatal flaw for a horse who relies on being on the lead. While his prior form against lesser company was strong, he has yet to record a triple-digit Beyer speed figure, something that will almost certainly be required to defeat a field of this caliber.
2. Crazy Mason (9-2) – Blossoming this year, Crazy Mason enters the True North off a career-best performance, a rallying, last-jump victory in the Grade 2 Carter Stakes at Aqueduct. That win earned him a top speed figure, proving he belongs with this class of runner. He comes in fresh with a series of sharp workouts, and he broke his maiden with an impressive romp in his only prior start at Saratoga. The slight cutback in distance is a question, but his closing style makes him a serious threat.
3. Surveillance (15-1) A seasoned 8-year-old veteran, Surveillance has more than earned his $1.1 million career bankroll. While he flattened out in the Carter two starts back, his subsequent effort in the Grade 3 Nerud was a strong second, proving he’s still in fine form. He possesses enough tactical speed to be close to the pace without needing the lead and was a decisive winner in his lone appearance at Saratoga, albeit in a race taken off the turf. Despite his age and many starts, his speed figures have remained remarkably consistent.
4. Nakatomi (4-1) A world-class sprinter, Nakatomi turned in a spectacular performance to be second in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in his last start. He is a proven commodity at this track, having captured the Grade 1 A.G. Vanderbilt here last summer in a similarly powerful effort off a layoff. Trainer Wesley Ward has given him time to recover from his trip to Dubai, and this horse has demonstrated he can fire fresh. With jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, his versatility and sheer firepower make him a formidable contender.
5. Book’em Danno (5-2) This New Jersey-bred put forth a terrific effort when finishing fourth in what might be one of the year’s toughest sprints, the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard. He has been exceptional in his two previous starts at Saratoga, earning triple-digit Beyers on both occasions. He has enough tactical speed to stalk the leaders and keep them in his sights before unleashing his strong late kick. With sharp works since his last race, he comes into this in peak condition.
6. Mullikin (2-1) Just like Book’em Danno, Mullikin exits a splendid run in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes, where he finished fifth, beaten just over a length in his first start of the year. He is eligible to take a significant step forward in his second race off the layoff. His only previous race at Saratoga resulted in a dominant victory and the best Beyer speed figure of his career. His speed ensures he will be forwardly placed from the start, making him a major danger.
7. Full Moon Madness (20-1) A tough and determined competitor, this 5-year-old captured the Grade 3 Tom Fool Stakes at Aqueduct in March. While he is a hard-trying sort, there is a question of whether this Grade 3 field is a bit beyond his scope. His best speed figure of 98 is respectable but falls short of what several of his rivals have accomplished. He figures to get a good stalking trip, but he will need to run the race of his life to have a major say in the outcome.
8. Nutella Fella (20-1) This colt has shown flashes of brilliance at Saratoga, scoring a massive upset in the Grade 1 Hopeful as a two-year-old and finishing a strong third in last year’s Grade 1 Woody Stephens. His form in 2025 has been mixed; after two decent runs at Tampa Bay Downs, he was a non-factor in a Grade 3 at Keeneland following a slow start. A return to his best Saratoga form would give him an outside chance, but he is stepping into much deeper waters here against tougher, more seasoned rivals.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: (6) Mullikin (2/1) – He ran a fantastic race off the layoff in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes and is poised for an even better effort here. His career-best Beyer figure came in his only start at Saratoga, and his tactical speed gives jockey Florent Prat plenty of options to work out a winning trip.
Place: (5) Book’em Danno (5/2) – He finished just ahead of Mullikin in their last meeting and has posted monster speed figures in his two prior starts at this track. His stalking running style makes him a perfect candidate to sit just off the pace and launch a serious bid in the stretch.
Show: (4) Nakatomi (4/1) – A proven Grade 1 winner over this surface, he brings a significant class edge to the field. He has won when fresh in the past and possesses the versatility to adapt to any pace scenario. Expect him to be charging hard in the final furlong.
Wildcard: (2) Crazy Mason (9/2) – Coming off a breakthrough win in the Grade 2 Carter, his confidence is sky-high. If a speed duel develops up front, his powerful closing kick could make him the one to catch in the shadow of the wire.
Longshot: (3) Surveillance (15/1) – This battle-tested veteran nearly stole the Grade 3 Nerud in his last start and won his only race at Saratoga. He is a model of consistency whose tactical speed could land him in a perfect spot to outrun his generous odds.
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