NYRA finalizes 2018 Saratoga stakes schedule

PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric Jenks

West Coast and jockey Mike Smith win the 2017 Travers at Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association finalized the stakes schedule for the 150th Saratoga Race Course meet, with the $1.25 million Travers set for Saturday, Aug. 25, and the $1.2 million Whitney for Saturday, Aug. 4.

The 40 live racing days will run six days a week from Friday, July 20, to Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 3 and will include 69 stakes worth $18.8 million in purses, will run from Friday, July 20, through Labor Day, Monday, September 3.

Whitney Day will also include the Grade I Test for 3-year-old fillies, the Grade III Waya for fillies and mares on the turf and the De La Rose for older fillies and mares on the turf.

Joining the 149th running of the Travers for 3-year-olds at 1 1/4 miles will be five other Grade 1 stakes: the $1 million Sword Dancer Invitational on the turf; the Ballerina for filly and mare sprinters; the Forego at seven furlongs; the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, formerly known as the King’s Bishop, for 3-year-olds going seven furlongs; and the Personal Ensign for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles. Rounding out the blockbuster card is the Grade II Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares.

The traditional local prep for the Travers, the Grade II Jim Dandy, will be held on Saturday, July 28, and is joined by the Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap for older sprinters, the Grade II Bowling Green at 1 3/8 miles on the grass and the Grade III Amsterdam for 3-year-olds at 6 1/2furlongs.

Travers Eve, Friday, Aug. 24, will again feature the New York Showcase Day, highlighted by the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles and the $200,000 Funny Cide for budding New York-bred stars.

Here’s the complete 2018 Saratoga stakes schedule.