‘Battle-Tested’ Post Time Takes Another ‘Big Swing’ In Whitney

The burgeoning operation of trainer Brittany Russell has become a force with which to reckon since the native of Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, went out on her own in 2018.

Making her mark with calculated and mindful horse placement, the 34-year-old won the Maryland training title in 2023—becoming the first woman to do so—and in 2024 has struck at a smart 21 percent with purse earnings good enough to be ranked 19th, nationally. The Maryland-based conditioner will take an admitted “big swing” on Saturday in the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney with 20-1 morning-line chance Post Time.

The Whitney is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“We know we’re in a tough race and he’s never been a mile and an eighth, but he seems to show up every time and that gives us a lo of confidence,” Russell said. “He’s become more mature physically and mentally as he’s aged and, while he’s still a bit of a character, he’s a very good horse and seems to always make his run.”

If the Maryland-bred son of 2016 Whitney winner Frosted hopes to emulate his sire, a fellow gray, he will have to do so from post 1, as well as improve upon his 6 1/4-length second to re-opposing National Treasure in the Grade 1 Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap eight weeks ago. Racing two paths off the rail in fifth throughout much of the race, he passed three horses in the stretch and ultimately out-willed Hoist the Gold and Castle Chaos for runner-up honors.