Saratoga’s Sizzling Summer Meet Kicks Off Thursday with Graded Stakes Action

The highly anticipated summer meet at Saratoga Race Course commences this Thursday, July 10th, and the historic Spa will host several graded stakes races over the upcoming holiday weekend.

The Action Begins on Thursday

The action begins on Thursday with the Schuylerville Stakes (Listed), a 6-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies. After finishing fifth and third in maiden special weights at Keeneland in April, Whatintheliteral moved into stakes company last out in the Astoria Stakes at Saratoga, winning gate-to-wire by a head. She’ll look to keep her momentum going in the Schuylerville.

Friday’s Feature – The Coronation Cup

Friday’s feature is the Coronation Cup (Listed), a 5 1/2-furlong turf event for 3-year-old fillies. Toupi, with a record of 3 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third from 7 starts, comes in off a victory in the Stormy Blues Stakes and will be the one to beat. Meanwhile, Star Mystery, making her first U.S. start after competing in Ireland, finished a close third in the Jaipur (G1) last month and could be a major player.

Graded Stakes Action Kicks into High Gear on Saturday

The graded stakes action kicks into high gear on Saturday, headlined by the prestigious Diana (G1) for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the turf. The top six finishers from the Just a Game (G1) at Saratoga will renew their rivalry, with five of them trained by the dominant Chad Brown, who has won this race a record 8 times. Chili Flag, Didia and Whitebeam (last year’s winner) are among the elite contenders.

The Kelso Handicap (G3), a mile turf event for 4-year-olds and up, and the Sanford Stakes (G3) for 2-year-olds sprinting 6 furlongs will also be contested on Saturday’s card.

Sunday’s Featured Event – The Quick Call Stakes

The weekend concludes on Sunday with the Quick Call Stakes (G3), a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds. *Unraced as a juvenile, Set has won 2 of his 4 starts this year, including the Cutler Bay Stakes at Gulfstream Park, and could be the one to beat if he can rebound from a disappointing effort in the Penn Mile (G3) last time out.

“With a star-studded lineup of equine athletes and top-tier jockeys and trainers, the opening weekend at Saratoga is sure to provide thrilling moments for horse racing enthusiasts. Handicappers and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the start of this storied summer meet.”

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