2026 Turf Classic Stakes: Win, place and trifecta picks from horse racing guru
The New York-bred Rhetorical will attempt to return to the winner’s circle when he leaves the beginning gate within the 2026 Turf Classic Stakes on Saturday in Louisville, Ky. Trained by Will Walden, Rhetorical has 5 wins in eight begins however has misplaced his final two. For Saturday he has been put in because the 5-2 morning-line favourite within the Turf Classic Stakes odds. Test Score (7-2), Program Trading (4-1), Make Me King (6-1) and Asbury Park (8-1) spherical out the highest 5 selections within the 2026 Turf Classic Stakes odds. Post time for the Turf Classic Stakes 2026 is 5:39 pm ET.
Before locking in any 2026 Turf Classic Stakes bets, you NEED to see what longtime horse racing guru Jeff Hochman has to say.
Hochman has proven a revenue in 22 of the previous 39 Triple Crown races. He nailed Big Brown within the 2008 Kentucky Derby at odds of 2-1. More lately, he swept the 2022 Triple Crown, capped off by Mo Donegal’s win within the Belmont Stakes. In 2023, I’ve cashed the Preakness with National Treasure.
Hochman delivered distinctive handicapping outcomes throughout the summer season 2025 racing season at two of the nation’s premier tracks, Saratoga and Del Mar. His mixed 65.7% win price throughout the 2 tracks represents elite-level efficiency that considerably exceeds trade benchmarks for skilled handicappers. Join here to see what he’s picking for Saturday’s Turf Classic Stakes.
While a slew of horses may hit the board within the 2026 Turf Classic Stakes, Hochman has studied the sphere and revealed his picks.
One shock: Hochman’s high decide will not be Rhetorical, despite the fact that he’s the 5-2 favourite. Another curveball: Hochman is excessive on Mercante, despite the fact that he’s a 12-1 longshot. “Mercante excels on the Churchill grass, having won the Grade 3 Arlington Stakes over this course last summer,” Hochman says. He is utilizing Mercante prominently in his wagers.
Moreover, Hochman’s high decide is a horse who “check all the boxes.“He can be excessive on a double-digit longshot who has”tactical versatility.” You ABSOLUTELY NEED to see which horses they’re earlier than making any 2026 Turf Classic Stakes picks of your personal.
