Rhetorical Shines in West Point Stakes at Saratoga
Rhetorical made a major highlight by winning the prestigious West Point Stakes Presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital at Saratoga Racecourse on August 24th, 2025. The racing action at Saratoga included ten races, which delighted the racing fans. The racing events began at 1:13 pm and concluded with the last race at 6:21 pm. Moments after crossing the finish line, Irad Ortiz, Jr. lifted his whip in triumph, and trainer William Walden’s celebratory pat said it all. The Saratoga crowd roared in approval as Rhetorical claimed the day’s most coveted prize.
Early Spark on the Turf
The card began with a one-mile maiden special weight on the turf, restricted to New York-bred fillies and mares three years and up. With $90,000 on the line, Willful Mama delivered the first strike, guided home by Flavien Prat for trainer Michael J. Maker. Amazing Gracer fought into second, while Off Script secured third.
Momentum carried into the second, a $50,000 claiming race over 5 1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares who had never won two races. Hue, under Manuel Franco and prepared by Brad H. Cox, edged out Parade Ring, with Leslie’s Star taking third.
Allowance Contests Build the Drama
The third, a $95,000 dirt allowance for state-breds at 6 1/2 furlongs, went to On the Hill, perfectly ridden by Katie Davis for trainer H. James Bond. Man in Finance and Crescendo’s Rein filled the places.
The fourth raised the stakes: a $110,000 allowance optional claiming event at 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Flavien Prat was in the spotlight again, this time steering Alimara to victory for trainer Chad C. Brown. National Archive and Fleetingly completed the frame.
The fifth, a maiden claiming dash of 5 1/2 furlongs on turf worth $50,000, saw Watdoyousay Jose finish strongest under Prat once more, this time for Linda Rice. Froghollowsummer and Five Dozen Roses were next home.
The sixth brought more fireworks. Over 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt for $110,000, Kalahari Dreams surged clear with Luis Saez in the saddle for trainer Philip A. Bauer. Voila Magic ran second, Gardiner third.
Rising Tension Before the Feature
The seventh race, a $55,000 maiden claiming contest over a mile on turf, went to Bedford the Brave, well handled by Kendrick Carmouche for David G. Donk. Unlimited Spending took second, while Galatina followed in third.
All eyes then turned to the $150,000 West Point Stakes. It was Rhetorical’s day, the colt finishing powerfully to land the spoils under Irad Ortiz, Jr. for trainer William Walden. Bettrluckythangood ran valiantly into second, with Conman closing out the top three.
Closing Notes
The penultimate race, a $110,000 allowance over six furlongs on dirt, fell to Roswell, piloted by Junior Alvarado for William I. Mott. Senza Parole and Despo’s Dream completed the placings.
Finally, the curtain came down with a $34,000 claiming sprint at six furlongs. Takeschargesmiling had the last word, Ricardo Santana, Jr. guiding him home for trainer Rob Atras. Gatsby and Tetsu followed behind.
Conclusion
From Willful Mama’s bright opening strike to Rhetorical’s defining triumph in the West Point Stakes, Saratoga Racecourse staged a card that blended grit, speed, and celebration. The day’s racing left no shortage of stories, and none shone brighter than Rhetorical’s rise.
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