Saratoga will hold a meet for the 142nd time beginning July 23 and opening weekend promises to be an exciting one with three graded stakes.
The weekend is highlighted by the $100,000 Schuylerville (gr. III) for 2-year-old fillies, the $250,000 Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) for 3-year-old fillies, and the $150,000 Sanford (gr. II) for 2-year-olds.
Expected to head the field for the six-furlong Schuylerville is the Wesley Ward-trained Final Mesa, who has won all three of her races by a combined margin of 20 lengths, including a 7 3/4-length score in the My Dear Stakes at Woodbine in her most recent start.
Also targeting the July 23 Schuylerville is Stopspendingmaria, who romped by seven-length in a maiden victory at Belmont Park on July 1. Recent maiden winners Dos Lunas, Le Mi Geaux, Let’s Get Fiscal, and Show Me the Bling are also probable, along with Sleepless Dixie and Sopchoppy as possible entrants.
Aiming for the July 24 Coaching Club American Oaks is Mother Goose (gr. I) winner Devil May Care, along with runner-up Connie and Michael, and third-place finisher Biofuel.
Black-Eyed Susan (gr. II) winner Acting Happy, Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II) winner Quiet Temper (gr. II), and Iowa Oaks (gr. III) winner Seeking the Title are also likely for the race, as well as Absinthe Minded, Bahama Bound, and Lisa’s Booby Trap.
Recent maiden winners Another Silver Oak, Bail Out the Cat, Blue Right By, Chip Shot, Highest Regards, and Commonwealth Rush are being pointed to July 25 Sanford, with Elite Alex, Lou Brissie, Maybesomaybenot, Nacho Saint, and Sweet Ducky questionable.
