Ways and Means cruises to Ballerina Stakes victory, secures Breeders' Cup spot
Ways and Means, with Flavin Prat aboard, won the Grade 1 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday. The victory earned the horse a berth in the Breeders' Cup.
The Ballerina Stakes is a premier sprint for fillies and mares, and Saturday’s edition at Saratoga served as a key prep for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Ways and Means, ridden by Flavin Prat, secured an automatic berth to that championship event with her commanding performance on Travers Day, one of the sport’s most prestigious cards. The victory adds to a season that has seen the horse emerge as a serious contender in the division, with the Breeders’ Cup now looming as the ultimate test against the nation’s best.
This win could elevate interest in the Breeders’ Cup, drawing casual fans who followed Saratoga’s marquee day. The automatic qualifying spot may also influence betting markets and stable decisions, as connections weigh travel and competition. For the broader racing community, a standout filly like Ways and Means can help sustain engagement with the sport’s year-end showcase, potentially boosting viewership and attendance among both longtime followers and newcomers.