Countdown underway for racing season
Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming one of many attractions for 149th Saratoga Race Course meet scheduled to open July 21
Like many people, Saratoga is Tom Durkin’s favorite place on the planet from late July through Labor Day.
This year, as part owner of Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, he’s especially excited about the Saratoga Race Course meet that starts one month from today on Friday, July 21.
“The definite goal is the Travers,” said Durkin, the retired legendary track announcer. “Always Dreaming’s effort in the Derby was super equine. He’s been given a rest and he’ll start breezing soon. Just being able to go out in the morning and see him go through his paces is quite a thrill.”
The Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers — the biggest day of the 40-day meet — is scheduled for Aug. 26.
“It looks like the 3-year-old scene up here is going to be great,” Durkin said.
The meet, which includes 69 stakes worth $18.775 million in purses, runs through Labor Day, Sept. 4.
Grade 1 action begins during the first weekend with the $500,000 Diana for turf fillies and mares on July 22; and the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on July 23.
The prestigious Grade 1, $1.2 million Whitney is set for Aug. 5. This 1-1/8-mile race is a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 4 at Del Mar.
The day’s program also features the Grade 1, $500,000 Test for 3-year-old fillies and the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya for
turf fillies and mares going 1 ½ miles.
Five other Grade 1 stakes are planned for Travers Day. They are: • The $1 million Sword Dancer Invitational at 1-½ miles on the turf.
• The $500,000 Ballerina for filly and mare sprinters.
• The $600,000 Forego at
seven furlongs.
• The $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, formerly known as the King’s Bishop, for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs.
• The $700,000 Personal Ensign for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles.
The traditional local prep for the Travers, the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy, will be held on July 29, joined by the Grade 1, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, the Grade 2, $200,000
Amsterdam and the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green.
Travers Eve will again feature the popular New York Breeders’ Showcase Day, highlighted by the $250,000 Albany for 3-yearolds going 1 1/8 miles and the $150,000 West Point at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.
Opening Day will kick off with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-yearold fillies and the Grade 3,
$150,000 Lake George for 3-year-old turf fillies. Closing weekend of the 149th meeting at Saratoga features the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward on Sept. 2, and the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies on Sept. 3.
Saratoga Race Course was founded in 1863.
However, there was no racing for several years during the track’s history, so the 150th meet won’t be until next year.