Nysos and Journalism, face to face in a Met Mile that promises fireworks

The two most decorated horses in the field headline a top-tier version of the Metropolitan Handicap (G1), one of the most prestigious mile races in the United States and a direct ticket to the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special to Turf Diario).– If the Belmont Stakes (G1) is set to be the main course of the grand Saratoga festival, the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) will once again reclaim its place as one of the most significant races of the entire US season. The 133rd running of the traditional Met Mile, featuring a one-million-dollar purse and the added incentive of a direct ticket to the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), will gather a compact but exceptionally high-quality field this Saturday.

At the center of the stage are two top-tier figures: Nysos and Journalism, both boasting over 4 million dollars in earnings and career records capable of making them absolute benchmarks of the division.

For Bob Baffert, Nysos represents a new opportunity to add another chapter to an extraordinary career. The son of Nyquist, winner of the Dirt Mile last year at Del Mar, arrives following a high-class performance in the Saudi Cup (G1), where he finished second to the Japanese phenomenon Forever Young (Real Steel), battling down to the final yards.

With a record of 9 starts, 7 victories, and 4.7 million dollars in earnings, the Baoma Corp. representative has demonstrated versatility, speed, and the ability to maintain his level against the best in the world.

"He's going to have to run very well. The break can be tricky, but the horse is really doing great," commented Baffert, who previously won this race with Mor Spirit (Eskendereya) in 2017 and with National Treasure (Quality Road) in 2024.

The main question mark for Nysos will be the return to the mile after competing over longer distances in recent months, although his track record shows that the trip is far from being an issue.

On the other side stands Journalism, one of the most consistent horses of his generation and an individual who, perhaps without making too much noise, continues to build a highly solid campaign.

The pupil of Michael McCarthy was second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes of 2025, won the Preakness Stakes (G1), the Haskell Invitational (G1), and the Santa Anita Derby (G1), and has amassed more than 4.4 million dollars in earnings.

His latest outing was a valuable third-place finish in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2), behind White Abarrio (Race Day) and the reigning Horse of the Year, Sovereignty (Into Mischief), in a race whose development caught everyone by surprise.

"He's a happy, healthy horse, and his preparation has been exactly what we wanted. We are looking forward to seeing how he responds cutting back to the mile," McCarthy explained.

Precisely, the distance will be one of the big questions. The son of Curlin has not raced this short since late 2024, when he won his maiden over a mile at Del Mar. However, for his trainer, the Met Mile was always circled on the calendar.

"It's a stallion-making race. He already has enough of a race record to justify his future in breeding, but winning the Met Mile would add immense value to his resume," he noted.

The race, however, is far from being a match race.

Knightsbridge (Nyquist), trained by Bill Mott, arrives with a brilliant campaign at Gulfstream Park, where he strung together three consecutive stakes victories before a low-key performance at Churchill Downs. The trainer of champion Cody's Wish (Curlin), winner of this event in 2023, is confident that his pupil can bounce back to his best form.

Also lining up will be Antiquarian (Preservationist), winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) and recent victor in the Westchester Stakes (G3); the undefeated miler Vibe (Into Mischief), who faces the most demanding challenge of his career; the ever-dangerous G1 winner Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming); and Rated by Merit (Batallion Runner), a restricted-stakes specialist attempting to make the definitive leap.

With just 7 runners, the race promises an intense pace from the start. The natural speed of Saudi Crown, Vibe, and Knightsbridge should guarantee a demanding rhythm, which could benefit both Journalism and Antiquarian. Nysos, on the other hand, combines tactical speed and acceleration, a formula that makes him the horse to beat.

Throughout its history, the Met Mile has served as a launching pad for champions, elite stallions, and future Horses of the Year. This Saturday at Saratoga, it will once again deliver a top-class spectacle and perhaps present a new star for the American racing firmament.