Just A Game Stakes Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (Jun 6)

By · Updated 5 minutes ago
  • When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 @ 2:47 PM ET
  • Where: Saratoga, New York
  • How to Watch: FOX/FanDuel TV

A high-quality undercard to the Belmont Stakes features notable Grade One races, with the first of these coming in the form of the G1 Just A Game Stakes. This race is run over a mile on the turf by fillies and mares, and Segesta will be a red-hot favorite to improve Chad Brown’s record in the race. Find the odds and our picks here.   

New York Stakes Odds

HorseMoneyline
Segesta+187
Sandtrap+350
Mandanaba+550
Classic Q+600
And One More Time+800
Deep Satin+1200
Buttercream Babe+1600
Fast Market+1600

Race Information & Records

StatInformation
Race Distance1 Mile
Purse$500,000
Most Successful TrainerChad Brown (8)
Most Successful JockeyIrad Ortiz, Javier Castellano (4)

ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks

Just A Game Stakes: Recent Winners

  • 2025– Dynamic Pricing (Dylan Davis/Chad Brown)
  • 2024– Chili Flag (Irad Ortiz/Chad Brown)
  • 2023– In Italian (Irad Ortiz/Chad Brown)
  • 2022– Regal Glory (Jose Ortiz/Chad Brown)
  • 2021– Athiqa (Irad Ortiz/Charlie Appleby)

Just A Game Stakes: Betting Preview

The Grade One bonanza at Saratoga on Saturday kicks off with a competitive Just A Game Stakes, run over a mile by fillies and mares. Chad Brown has won the last four editions of the race, meaning Segesta will be a very popular selection.

The improving five-year-old stamped her authority on the division on return, winning the G1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland. She is now a four-time winner in stakes company. However, it could be worth noting that her worst performance to date did come at Saratoga, finishing sixth in the Just A Game 12 months ago.

Chad Brown has two of the leading contenders this weekend, with Sandtrap also boasting a progressive profile worth noting. Manuel Franco is booked aboard the four-year-old, who will be making her first start for the Brown yard after winning by a dominant four-length margin in an allowance race at Aqueduct. Holds solid European turf form lines, and is likely to be of high quality in the U.S.

Classic Q comes into this weekend after an impressive win, but improvement will be required based on ratings. Buttercream Babe and Deep Satin are respected, but they look below the standard of the market leaders this weekend.

And One More Time could be the leading Mark Casse chance on Saturday. The four-year-old held on well to land the Plenty of Grace Stakes at Aqueduct on her latest appearance. More needed to overcome this challenge, but the Omaha Beach filly could still be improving.

Just A Game Stakes Picks

I always prefer the strength of the European form when it comes to turf races, meaning that Francis Graffard raider Mandanaba is an obvious chance. The four-year-old has won twice from five starts in stakes company, and was excellent on return when winning over seven furlongs in listed company.

Competed against the best last season, finishing within a length of Zarigana in the Group One Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, and was only narrowly beaten by the talented Gezora in the G1 Prix de Diane. Plenty to like.

Free Pick:

Alex Dudley
Contributor Alex has covered huge sporting events for various websites and publications. He has attended football European Championships, Rugby League and Union World Cups, and the Paralympics. Alex is dedicated to giving the most insightful tips for VegasOdds readers and specialises in horse racing, soccer, golf and basketball.

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