The spotlight turns to Saratoga Racecourse on Belmont Stakes Day as two of North America’s most accomplished dirt performers, Nysos and Journalism, prepare to renew their rivalry in the 133rd running of the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap on Saturday.
Met Mile 2026.
With more than $4 million in career earnings each, the pair head a deep and talented field assembled for one of the most prestigious one-mile contests on the American racing calendar. The winner will also secure an automatic berth into the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile later this year at Keeneland.
Nysos arrives as one of the leading contenders for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. The five-year-old son of Nyquist enters the race following a strong runner-up effort behind Forever Young in the Group 1 Saudi Cup in February, where he battled gamely after racing prominently throughout.
Baffert, who previously captured the Metropolitan Handicap with Mor Spirit in 2017 and National Treasure in 2024, believes his stable star is approaching the race in excellent condition.
“He’s going to have to run well. They come out of the chute here, which can be a little tricky, but the horse is doing really well,” Baffert said.
Owned by Baoma Corp., Nysos boasts a remarkable record of nine starts yielding seven victories and two runner-up finishes. His standout 2025 campaign was highlighted by victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar, while his résumé also includes graded stakes successes in the Triple Bend Stakes, Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes and San Diego Handicap.
The bay gelding tuned up for Saturday’s assignment with a sharp half-mile workout in 47.40 seconds at Churchill Downs and will break from post one under regular rider Flavien Prat.
Standing in his way is the accomplished Journalism, whose career has already featured victories in some of the sport’s biggest races. Trained by Michael McCarthy, the four-year-old son of Curlin enters off a respectable third-place finish in the Oaklawn Handicap behind White Abarrio and Sovereignty.
Journalism has amassed more than $4.4 million in earnings through a career record of 12 starts with six wins. Among his major achievements are victories in the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes, Grade 1 Haskell Stakes and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.
McCarthy believes the return to a one-mile trip could provide a fascinating new challenge.
“He’s a happy horse. He’s a healthy horse and his training has gone to plan,” McCarthy said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how he does cutting back to a mile.”
The trainer added that the Metropolitan Handicap has long been part of the horse’s campaign plans.
“It is interesting to cut back to one mile. This is a race we’ve had on our radar for quite some time,” McCarthy said. “This is a stallion-making race and would certainly add to his resume.”
The Met Mile 2026 field also features several accomplished challengers capable of upsetting the two headline acts.
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott saddles Knightsbridge, a multiple graded stakes winner who dominated a series of races at Gulfstream Park during the winter before finishing sixth in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes last month. Mott captured this race with Cody’s Wish in 2023 and is hoping for another strong showing from the Godolphin homebred.
“We finally got to a point where we could run him on a more regular basis,” Mott said. “His work was very good and I’m very happy with him.”
Todd Pletcher, a two-time winner of the Metropolitan Handicap, will be represented by Antiquarian and the rapidly improving Vibe.
Antiquarian enters the race after an impressive victory in the Grade 3 Westchester Stakes, while Vibe steps into elite company following three consecutive wins. Pletcher believes Antiquarian’s versatility gives him a genuine chance despite the shorter distance.
“He’s a really happy horse and doing great. He came out of the Westchester in good order and we’ll give the Met a try,” Pletcher said.
The remainder of the field includes Grade 1 winner Saudi Crown for trainer Brad Cox and the highly regarded Rated by Merit from Chad Brown’s stable.
As one of the centrepieces of Belmont Stakes Day, the Met Mile 2026 promises a compelling clash between proven championship performers and ambitious challengers seeking a defining career victory. With Nysos and Journalism bringing elite credentials to Saratoga, racing fans are set for one of the most anticipated one-mile contests of the season.
The Metropolitan Handicap is scheduled as Race 11 on Saturday’s 14-race programme, which is headed by the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes later on the card. Several other top-level races will also feature, ensuring another memorable afternoon at Saratoga Race Course.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz