Early Card: Building Momentum
The action opens with a Starter Allowance for three-year-olds and upward at a mile on dirt, carrying a $75,000 purse. Fear of Union, Zippy Mark, Airborne Elite, Norwich, House United, Sweetalkingbourbon, and Indy Magic headline the entries, setting a tone of competitiveness right from the gate.
Next up, a Maiden Special Weight restricted to New York-bred fillies at six furlongs on dirt ($90,000 purse) will showcase up-and-coming talent such as Victory Hall, Probable Angle, and Avery’s Wonderland. By the third race, a one-mile claiming contest worth $68,000, contenders like Magnolia Midnight and Treaty Obligation will battle for position on the main track.
The energy builds further in a $100,000 Maiden Special Weight for juvenile fillies at six furlongs, featuring Sun Kiss, Run Wild, and Tennessee Belle. The fifth race switches to the turf with a 1 3/8-mile Allowance Optional Claiming ($110,000) stacked with depth, including Kigali, Ambition, and Fuerteventura among twelve hopefuls.
Afternoon Contests on Turf and Dirt
Mid-card racing continues with a $100,000 Maiden Special Weight over 5 1/2 furlongs on turf, led by Bodacious Queen and Santina. That is followed by another juvenile showcase at 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt, where Talkin, Good Illusion, and Forever Man aim to stamp their mark in a $100,000 contest.
The eighth race reverts to a one-mile dirt Allowance Optional Claiming ($100,000), featuring Palace Boss, Mighty Atlas, and Rock the Weekend, before the stage shifts to stakes company.
Spotlight on the Skidmore Stakes
At 5:11 pm, the Skidmore Stakes takes the turf spotlight. Restricted to two-year-olds, this $150,000 sprint over 5 1/2 furlongs is expected to be fiercely contested. Schwarzenegger, Sandal’s Song, Monster, and Spirit of New York stand out in a compact but intriguing lineup, promising a decisive dash where juvenile form collides with future potential.
The Alabama Stakes: Tradition Meets Glory
Thirty-three minutes later, Saratoga Racecourse will host the marquee Alabama Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on dirt. With $600,000 on the line, this race for three-year-old fillies has long stood as a test of class and stamina. Margie’s Intention, Good Cheer, Kinzie Queen, Nitrogen, Queen Azteca, and La Cara form a field worthy of its history, each eyeing a breakthrough performance on one of Saratoga’s grandest stages.
Closing the Day at the Spa
The penultimate race is a $50,000 claiming tilt at 1 1/16 miles on turf, highlighted by Assertiveness, Dakota Country, and Kid Kreesa. As twilight nears, the finale—a $95,000 New York-bred allowance sprint over 5 1/2 furlongs—brings the curtain down with Spoken Bluntly, Not for Hire, and Stormy Birthday among the dozen chasing local pride and purse money.
A Full Day at Saratoga
The August 16 card exemplifies why Saratoga’s summer meet remains the pinnacle of American racing tradition. From maidens dreaming of breakout wins to seasoned stakes horses chasing history, the program blends variety with star power, ensuring that fans—whether on-track or tuning in online—are treated to a feast of equine excellence.
For more on Saratoga’s summer meet, explore our international racing section. For official race entries and updates, visit the NYRA Saratoga website.
