Saratoga Race Course, the fabled “Graveyard of Champions,” is a summer institution where the best thoroughbreds in the world come to test their mettle. As Travers Day on August 23rd draws near, the anticipation for one of the card’s most electrifying races, the Resorts World Casino Ballerina Handicap, reaches a fever pitch. This Grade 1 sprint for fillies and mares serves as a crucial stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
The winner not only secures a significant purse but also an automatic, all-fees-paid berth into the year-end championship race. This prize guarantees a deep and competitive field. The 2025 Ballerina is shaping up to be an enthralling contest, a showdown between seasoned Grade 1 winners and a host of talented challengers. The seven-furlong distance, often called the “sprinter’s classic,” demands a horse with a perfect blend of raw speed and the stamina to see out the demanding final furlong on the Saratoga dirt.
The Chicago Stakes Heroine: Vahva
Leading the potential list of Ballerina Handicap picks is Vahva, who enters the race with a powerful recent victory. The five-year-old mare, a daughter of Gun Runner, returned to her winning ways in the Grade 2 Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 21st. This victory was particularly significant, as it re-established the form that made her a star in 2024 and snapped a three-race losing streak. Vahva’s history with the seven-furlong distance is a major asset; she has won four of her last five starts on this exact trip.
Her versatility is also a key strength, as she has shown the ability to either stalk the pace or come from off the speed, a tactic that works well on the Saratoga surface. While her 2025 season had a rocky start with a distant seventh-place finish in the slop in the Derby City Distaff, her return to form in the Chicago Stakes has firmly re-established her as a top contender. With a top jockey like Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons, who was aboard for her Chicago Stakes win, Vahva is a formidable presence and a deserving favorite.
The Reigning Champion: Society
Vahva will face a stern test from the reigning Ballerina champion, Society. The five-year-old daughter of Gun Runner captured the 2024 Ballerina Handicap impressively. While she has not been as dominant in 2025, she remains a serious threat. Her most recent start was a third-place finish in the Chicago Stakes, where Vahva bested her.
Society’s running style is built around early speed, preferring to be on the lead and dictate the pace. Her success at Saratoga last year proves she can handle the pressure of an elite Grade 1 field and sustain her speed over the seven-furlong distance. A rematch between Society and Vahva would be a captivating storyline, a classic duel between two mares with different running styles and a shared history of success on the biggest stages.
The Honorable Miss Winner: Halina’s Forte
A new and exciting contender has also emerged from a recent prep race for the Ballerina. Halina’s Forte, a four-year-old filly, scored an impressive 24-1 upset victory in the Grade 2 Honorable Miss Handicap on July 20th. This seven-furlong sprint was a testament to her readiness to compete at the Grade 1 level.
Her victory over a quality field, which included the well-regarded R Disaster and Scylla, and her proven ability to handle the Saratoga dirt makes her a legitimate threat. While the Ballerina will be a significant step up in class, her recent form and proven ability at the seven-furlong distance make her a “dark horse” who could easily upset the field.
The Possible Champion: Positano Sunset
The Ballerina field is expected to be deep with other talented fillies and mares looking for a breakthrough. Positano Sunset, a contender who has already proven her Grade 1 ability, is another horse to watch. She upset the Grade 1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland in April 2025, a significant victory that established her as a major player in the female sprint division.
Her consistent performance in graded stakes races this year, including a win at Tampa Bay Downs and a sixth-place finish in the Derby City Distaff, suggests she is a horse who continues to develop and could be a major factor in the Ballerina.
Final Words
The Ballerina Handicap is a significant event in its own right, but its connection to the Breeders’ Cup adds another layer of prestige. The winner’s automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint means that a victory at Saratoga can pave the way for a year-end championship. The history of the race is filled with winners who have gone on to have success on the biggest stage, including the likes of Goodnight Olive, Echo Zulu, and Gamine. The 2025 winner will join this illustrious group, forever cementing their place in racing history.
