Withers Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Feb 7)
A busy weekend on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for Feb 7, with a notable prep being run at Aqueduct. The Withers Stakes will be run over 1 1/8 miles, and is most famous for producing Triple Crown race winners such as Sir Barton, Man o’War, and Native Dancer. Find the odds and our Withers Stakes picks here.
Withers Stakes: How to Watch
- When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 @ 4:20 PM ET
- Where: Aqueduct, New York
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
Withers Stakes: Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/8 Miles |
| Most Successful Trainer | James G. Rowe Sr (5) |
| Most Successful Jockey | Eddie Arcaro (6) |
| Purse | $250,000 |
| Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points | 20-10-6-4-2 |
Withers Stakes Odds
| Horse | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Ottinho | +162 |
| Schoolyardsuperman | +250 |
| Mailata | +450 |
| Grittiness | +800 |
| Talk To Me Jimmy | +800 |
| Fourth And One | +1000 |
| Star Sweeper | +3300 |
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Withers Stakes: Recent Winners
| Year | Winning Horse | Winning Jockey | Winning Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Captain Cook | Manuel Franco | Richard Dutrow Jr |
| 2024 | Uncle Heavy | Mychel Sanchez | Robert Reid Jr |
| 2023 | Hit Show | Manuel Franco | Brad Cox |
| 2022 | Early Voting | Jose Ortiz | Chad Brown |
Race Preview
The Withers Stakes hasn’t had the same reputation of producing high-class runners in recent years, which has seen the contest downgraded from a Grade Three since 2024. But, there are a couple of interesting contenders that could come out of this year’s renewal.
Among those include Chad Brown-trained Ottinho. The three-year-old made a winning start under rules on New Year’s Eve, impressively beating Hadrian’s Wall. Looks to have plenty of stamina, and should be capable of improving once again for a respected trainer.
Schoolyardsuperman should certainly be respected from the same yard, with Manuel Franco booked to take the ride. The three-year-old ran below form on his first two starts, before finally getting his nose in front at Aqueduct at the start of December. Still appears hard to trust.
Mailata rounds off the leading contenders for this year’s Withers Stakes. The Robert Reid runner has won three from five career starts, and he has already shown ability in stakes company after landing the Pennsylvania Nursery and Parx Future Stars Stakes at the end of last year. Shouldn’t be ruled out.
Withers Stakes Picks
There is no clear outstanding chance in the Withers Stakes this weekend. Therefore, I’m prepared to chance Talk To Me Jimmy for trainer Rudy Rodriguez.
The three-year-old showed a positive attitude on his second start in November, producing a strong figure when winning at Aqueduct. Improvement once again will see him go very close.
Free Pick:
