By Richard Rosenblatt
The $1 million Travers Stakes finally has a date at the Spa – August 8.
Saratoga’s summer season was made official Friday when the New York Racing Association announced thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious meet will be held July 16-Sept. 7 and will feature 71 stakes worth $14.45 million.
Belmont Park-Photo Courtesy of Adam Coglianese / NYRA)
Although the dates for the meet have not been changed, the racing schedule has, with the Travers (G1) – the Mid-Summer Derby – three weeks earlier than usual.
“We’re thrilled to be racing at Saratoga this summer, and we thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and the support of horsemen who have worked with us to navigate the many challenges,” NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke said in a statement. “While this will be anything but a traditional Saratoga season, we hope to provide a semblance of normalcy for both the local community as well as racing fans across the country.”
The 1 ¼-mile Travers will be run seven weeks after Saturday’s $1 million Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday, making for an intriguing season for 3-year-olds on the Triple Crown trail.
The Belmont Stakes, with a field of 10 topped by 6-5 favorite Tiz the Law, is now the first leg of the Triple Crown rather than the final leg; the Kentucky Derby (G1) is rescheduled for Sept. 5, and the Preakness (G1) for Oct. 3.
The changes in dates for the Triple Crown races came about due to the coronavirus pandemic. Saratoga will open without spectators and the 40-day meet will follow health and safety guidelines from the local and state government.
The Travers anchors a day featuring five stakes; the others being the Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap (a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ race for the BC Filly & Mare Sprint) and the Longines Test (G1), along with the Troy and Waya, a pair of Grade 3’s.
Whitney Day features three Grade 1’s – the $750,000 Whitney Stakes (a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ race for the BC Classic), the Personal Ensign (‘Win and You’re In’ for the BC Distaff), and the H. Allen Jerkens.
Opening day kicks off with the $100,000 Peter Pan for 3-year-olds moved from its traditional home at Belmont Park and the $100,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies.
Also, the $500,000 Alabama (G1) for 3-year-old fillies is set for Aug. 15, along with the second running of the $500,000 Saratoga Derby (part of the Turf Triple Series for 3-year-olds). The $500,000 Saratoga Oaks for 3-year-old fillies is Aug. 16.
The final weekend is highlighted by the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (G1) on Sept. 5, and the program also includes a trio of Grade 2’s — the $150,000 Jim Dandy for 3-year-olds, the $200,000 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies and the $200,000 Glens Falls for older fillies and mares on the turf.
The $250,000 Hopeful (G1) closes out the meet, as usual, on Sept. 7. The 7-furlong race for 2-year-olds may give us a peek at a few of the early prospect for the 2021 Derby.
After opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.
Races at Saratoga added on the Road to the Kentucky Derby preps (with the Derby qualifying points awarded), are: the Peter Pan, July 16 (50-20-10-5); and the Travers, Aug. 8 (100-40-20-10). Races at the Spa added to the Road to the Kentucky Oaks preps are: the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), July 18 (100-40-20-10); and the Alabama (G1), Aug. 15 (100-40-20-10).
Over the years while working at The Associated Press, Rich Rosenblatt became a familiar name to legions of the horse racing fans and industry insiders with his award-winning articles on horse racing and his stories from the backstretch.
In addition to being an astute observer of sports, Rosenblatt is the co-author of The All-American Chili Cookbook. His work has been seen in just about every publication in the world, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Time Magazine.
