It’s Whitney Day at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday, featuring four graded stakes races, including three Grade 1 events highlighted by the prestigious Whitney Stakes.

Welcome to my Saratoga Race Course Preview & Picks, where I provide expert analysis and insights into the most exciting races on the calendar. Each week, I’ll examine the form, pedigree, and recent performances of the top contenders, offering informed predictions and strategic picks to help you navigate the thrilling world of horse racing. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual fan, my previews are designed to give you valuable perspectives and enhance your race-day experience. Join me as I break down the key factors, highlight standout horses, and share my top selections for the upcoming races, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a day at the track.

Weather:

• Day: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (Grade 1)

Race History:

The Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes is a relatively new but already esteemed event in American Thoroughbred horse racing, inaugurated in 2019. Held annually at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, this race is part of the New York Racing Association’s Turf Triple series, which aims to provide a prestigious turf racing opportunity for three-year-old horses. The Saratoga Derby is contested over a distance of 1 3/16 miles on turf, and it quickly gained prominence due to its generous purse and the high quality of competitors it attracts.

Race Information:

• Date: August 3rd, 2024
• Track: Saratoga Race Course
• Location: Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
• Event Grade: Grade I
• Race: 7
• Post Time: 3:21 PM ET
• Length: 1 3/16 Miles
• Purse: $600,000
• Division: Open | Three Years Old
• Surface: Turf
• Wagers: Exacta ($1), Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double ($1) 7 & 8, Pick 3 ($1) (7-9), Mandatory Pay Pick 5 (.50) (7-11)

Field:

Picks:

• $5 WIN – #2 Cugino, #8 White Palomino
  • TICKET COST $10.00

• $2 EXACTA – 2, 8 / 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
  • TICKET COST $16.00

Test Stakes (Grade 1)

Race History:

he Test Stakes is a prestigious American Thoroughbred horse race that has been held annually since 1923. The race takes place at the renowned Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, and is restricted to three-year-old fillies. Over the years, the Test Stakes has become a significant event in the racing calendar, showcasing some of the finest young female horses in the sport. The race is run over a distance of seven furlongs on dirt, and its name “Test” reflects the challenging nature of the competition, serving as a proving ground for these promising horses.

Race Information:

• Date: August 3rd, 2024
• Track: Saratoga Race Course
• Location: Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
• Event Grade: Grade I
• Race: 8
• Post Time: 3:54 PM ET
• Length: 7 Furlongs
• Purse: $500,000
• Division: Fillies | Three Years Old
• Surface: Dirt
• Wagers: Exacta ($1), Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double ($1) 8 & 9, Pick 3 ($1) (8-10), Pick 6 ($1) (8-13)

Field:

Picks:

• $5 WIN – #2 Denim and Pearls, #5 My Mane Squeeze
  • TICKET COST $10.00

Whitney Stakes (Grade 1)

Race History:

The Whitney Stakes, one of the premier events in American Thoroughbred horse racing, has been held annually since 1928 at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Named in honor of the prominent Whitney family, whose contributions to horse racing have been monumental, the race is open to horses aged three years and older and is contested over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt. Throughout its storied history, the Whitney Stakes has attracted some of the sport’s most exceptional horses, trainers, and jockeys, with many winners going on to secure Horse of the Year honors. The race is renowned for its competitive fields and thrilling finishes, cementing its status as a highlight of the summer racing season at Saratoga.

Race Information:

• Date: August 3rd, 2024
• Track: Saratoga Race Course
• Location: Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
• Event Grade: Grade I
• Race: 11
• Post Time: 5:42 PM ET
• Length: 1 1/8 Miles
• Purse: $1,000,000
• Division: Open | Four Years Old and Upward
• Surface: Dirt
• Wagers: Exacta ($1), Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double ($1) 11 & 12, Pick 3 ($1) (11-13)

Field:

Picks:

• $5 WIN – #5 First Mission, #9 Bright Future
  • TICKET COST $10.00

• $2 EXACTA – 5, 9 / 2, 3, 5, 9, 10
  • TICKET COST $16.00

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.