Hopeful Stakes
Appearance
The Hopeful Stakes is a race for thoroughbred horses. The race is run at a distance of seven furlongs on the dirt at Saratoga Race Course. It is a Grade I even with a purse of $250,000. It is the first Grade I stakes for two-year-olds each season and is the first influential prep race to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. It is in its 102nd renewal in 2006.
Past Winners
Winners of the Hopeful in the last five years are:
- 2005-First Samurai
- 2004-Afleet Alex
- 2003-Silver Wagon
- 2002-Sky Mesa
- 2001-Came Home