Saratoga Race Course: Live Racing News for Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Track Overview and Today’s Racing Card
Live racing returns to Saratoga Race Course today as the historic summer meet enters its fourth week. The racing program promises competitive fields for Thoroughbred fans and bettors. Today’s feature is the Johnstone (NYB) Stakes, spotlighting New York-breds. All post times are set for the standard Wednesday schedule, with the first race at 1:10 p.m.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts call for mild summer conditions at Saratoga Springs today, with temperatures expected in the low 80s Fahrenheit, light winds, and a minimal chance of precipitation. The main dirt track and both turf courses are projected to be in fast/good condition, pending any late weather developments.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Several of New York’s top trainers are expected to send out multiple contenders. Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher both have runners in allowance and maiden races, with Brown especially active on the turf. Bill Mott targets the Johnstone Stakes with a pair of homebreds.
Jockeys to watch include Irad Ortiz Jr., currently leading the Saratoga standings, and Jose Ortiz, riding a full card with live mounts for several top barns. Flavien Prat and Tyler Gaffalione also maintain strong books today, with Prat set for several turf assignments.
Race-by-Race Highlights and Analysis
Today’s card features ten live races, spanning maiden special weights, competitive allowance events, several claiming contests, and the feature Johnstone Stakes.
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight (2-year-olds, 6 furlongs, Dirt)
The opener showcases well-bred juveniles making their first starts. Several promising debutants from major barns suggest high upside, especially the Pletcher colt training sharply over the track. Watch for late-money moves in the wagering as a key signal of readiness.
Race 2: Claiming ($40,000, 3-year-olds and up, Turf)
A large field offers value opportunities, with a pair of horses cutting back in distance showing the best recent form. Irad Ortiz Jr. climbs aboard the favorite, a consistent closer flattered by pace scenarios.
Race 3: Allowance (NYB, 3-year-olds and up, Dirt)
This state-bred allowance features a rematch between two rivals separated by less than a length during Opening Week. Both return in top form, but a pace meltdown could favor a long shot with late speed.
Race 4: Maiden Claiming ($50,000, Fillies & Mares, Turf)
Several dropping in class after solid efforts make this race wide open. Chad Brown’s filly draws inside and may control early fractions, but traffic issues are possible with twelve entered.
Race 5: Allowance/Optional Claiming (Turf)
The Ortiz brothers headline a contentious affair. Jose Ortiz’s mount steps up off a sharp Keeneland score, while Irad’s filly is versatile and boasts local experience.
Race 6: Claiming (Dirt)
Sprinters with back class drop in for tags, making this a tricky betting race. A horse claimed last out could show immediate improvement for his new barn.
Race 7: Johnstone Stakes (NYB, 6 furlongs, Dirt)
Today’s feature race brings together top New York-bred sprinters. Bill Mott’s duo, both coming off wins, face last year’s winner from the Baker barn. Pace is likely to be contested, setting up for a closer if fractions get hot.
Race 8: Maiden Special Weight (Turf)
Another high-quality maiden, this one for 3-year-old fillies. Several are bred for turf and finished well in prior starts. Watch for first-time starters from the Clement barn, as they often fire at this meet.
Race 9: Allowance (Turf)
Several allowance veterans reunite after tangling at Belmont. Surface switches and jockey changes add intrigue. Flavien Prat’s new mount is bred to relish the Saratoga lawn.
Race 10: Maiden Claiming (Dirt)
The nightcap is for lightly raced maidens. Class droppers and horses improving for new trainers make this a wide-open betting affair. A Rudy Rodriguez trainee, second on debut, looms a top contender.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Race 1: Pletcher’s Colt, First Time Starter, Long Shot Play #5 Race 2: Ortiz Jr.-ridden Closer, Value #8 Race 3: Rival Rematch #2, Long Shot Play #6 Race 4: Chad Brown’s Filly, Watch Board #3 Race 5: Jose Ortiz Mount, Exacta with Irad’s Filly Race 6: Claimed Last Out #7, Watch for Improvement
Race 7 (Johnstone): Mott’s Closer #4, Last Year’s Winner #8 for Exotics Race 8: Clement Firster #10, Use in Doubles
Race 9: Prat’s Mount #1, Surface Switch #9 as Price Horse Race 10: Rodriguez Trainee #2, Class Dropper #11
Additional Notes
Gates open at 11 a.m. and live racing extends into the late afternoon. Expect competitive pools and notable on-track attendance for the highlight of mid-summer racing.
