Del Mar and Saratoga Summer Seasons Open
by Patricia Woo | Jul 19 2010
The highlight of summertime racing each year is the opening of
Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, Calif., and
Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, NY. This year, horse bettors can expect a season of exceptional horse racing as some of the sport's biggest names have Del Mar and Saratoga in their travel plans.
With approximately $22M up for grabs over its 37 days of racing, Del Mar will opens its doors for summertime racing for the 71st time on July 21 with the running of the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds. The first graded stakes test is the $300,000 Gr. 1 Eddie Read Stakes on July 24 for 3-year-olds and up and could include The Usual Q.T. and Victor's Cry. And one of the most anticipated races of the meet will be the $300,000 Gr. 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, scheduled for August 7. Unbeaten mare Zenyatta is slated to try to defend her title for an incredible third time and notch her 17th straight career victory.
But the highlight of the summer racing season at Del Mar is the $1M Gr. 1 Pacific Classic, which will take place on August 28. This 1 ¼ mile race for 3-year-olds and up will be a showcase of talent, attracting Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem, last year's champion Richard's Kid, and even possibly 2009 Eclipse Award winner for champion older male Gio Ponti.
Not to be outdone, Saratoga Race Course will opens its doors for its summer meet on July 23 for the 142nd time. And this year, there are a slew of can't-miss races at the “Spa.” Among them is the $750,000 Gr. 1 Whitney Handicap on Aug. 7 for 3-year-olds and up, which could draw Quality Road, I Want Revenge as well as Mine That Bird. A rematch of 2010 Triple Crown contenders could take place on Aug. 8 when 3-year-olds take to the track for the $1M Gr. 1 Travers Stakes: Kentucky Derby champion Super Saver and Preakness Stakes winner Lookin at Lucky may go head-to-head. And 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra may run in the $300,000 Gr. 1 Personal Ensign Stakes, a 1 ¼ mile race for fillies and mares 3 years old and up.
Don't miss out on any of the horse racing at Del Mar or Saratoga!
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