Horse Racing News: Exciting Turf Showdown at Saratoga Derby Invitational

(August 2, 2024 – Saratoga Springs, NY) – The stage is set for an epic clash of the best sophomore turf routers as the $600,000 Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational takes place this Saturday, August 3rd at Saratoga Race Course. This prestigious event is the second leg of the New York Racing Association Turf Triple series, following the Belmont Derby (G1) and leading into the Jockey Club Derby later in the autumn.

The international significance of the Saratoga Derby is underscored by the presence of Diego Velazquez, the 2-1 morning-line favorite trained by Aidan O’Brien. Fresh off a dominant win in the Meld (G3) at Leopardstown, Velazquez will be making his North American debut in this highly anticipated contest.

While Belmont Derby winner Trikari opted out of this leg, runners-up White Palomino and third-place finisher Legend of Time return to try and move forward. White Palomino, trained by Chad Brown, narrowly missed in that last outing and will be looking to go one better with jockey Flavien Prat aboard.

Other intriguing contenders include Cugino, coming off a dominant score in the Audubon Stakes at Churchill Downs, and the Christophe Clement duo of Deterministic and Carson’s Run. Bill Mott’s Royal Majesty, a consistent stakes performer, rounds out the field of eight vying for the lucrative purse and Grade 1 glory.

The Saratoga Derby Invitational is slated for a 3:21 pm EDT post time on Saturday and will be televised nationally on FanDuel Racing and FOX. Racing fans can also wager on the action through the FanDuel Racing platform.

With the added incentive of a berth in the prestigious Cox Plate in Australia, the stage is set for an exhilarating renewal of the Saratoga Derby Invitational. Handicappers and enthusiasts alike eagerly await to see which up-and-coming turf star will emerge victorious in this showcase event.

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