Big TV Weekend for Classic Division

The Breeders' Cup Classic Division Powered by Dodge takes center stage this weekend as 3 year olds and up start serious preparation for the headline event at Lone Star Oct. 30. The action will be televised by the ESPN family of networks.

Saturday, Aug. 7, ESPN will feature live coverage of the Whitney Handicap, Amsterdam Stakes, and West Virginia Derby from 5-6 p.m. ET. The Whitney, from Saratoga, will be headlined by multiple grade I winner Peace Rules, winner of the Suburban at Belmont last out. Others expected are Seattle Fitz, Roses in May, Sarava, Gygistar, Perfect Drift, Newfoundland, and Bowman's Band. Sprinters go in the Amsterdam, and 3-year-olds in the West Virginia Derby.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, ESPN2 will showcase the Haskell Invitational live from Monmouth Park and the Jim Dandy Stakes on tape from Saratoga, both featuring 3-year-olds prepping to face their elders this fall. Expected for the Haskell are Lion Heart and Rock Hard Ten, while the Jim Dandy should see The Cliff's Edge, Eddington, Purge, Medallist, and Queen's Plate winner Niigon.

In addition, on Sunday from 8-9 p.m. ET, TVG/Fox Sports Net will have live coverage of the Clement Hirsch Handicap for fillies and mares 3 and up from Del Mar, part of the Nextel Distaff Division. The Hirsch sports a strong lineup that includes Star Parade, Elloluv, House of Fortune, and Victory Encounter.