The Big Red Spring at Saratoga

Dateline: 07/01/02

America's oldest track, Saratoga Race Course, opens for its 133rd season on July 24th and runs through September 2nd. The Spa meet is generally held to be the most prestigious in the nation with 35 stakes races worth $8.775 million in purses. 32 of the stakes are graded with 13 Grade 1 events. Check their stakes calendar to see what races are scheduled for each day. As they become available, a list of the horses nominated this year will be linked from each race on the schedule.

Saratoga marks the beginning of the serious two year old racing season. The Breeders' Cup juvenile favorites often come from Saratoga and such prestigious races as the Saratoga Special and the Hopeful for the colts or the Adirondack and the Spinaway for the fillies.

The three year olds are also in the spotlight at Saratoga with the $1 million Travers, known as the Mid-Summer Derby. Horses expected to be there are Medaglia d'Oro, Harlan's Holiday, Gygistar, and Repent. Major races will be run in all divisions including the $750,000 Whitney for the older horses where last year's winner Lido Palace is expected to take on Macho Uno. Some of the best females in training should be there including Bella Bellucci for the $750,000 Alabama for the 3-year-old fillies and top sprinter Xtra Heat for the 7 furlong $250,000 Ballerina Stakes on August 25th.

Saratoga is also noted for its turf racing and steeplechases. There will be several major turf stakes for the older horses of both sexes, with the premier events being the $500,000 Sword Dancer Invitational for the males and the $500,000 Diana Handicap for the females.

Misty morning workout at Saratoga, photo by Deborah Kral

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