Saratoga Race Course

Two impressive 'TDN Rising Stars' who captured their debut maiden victories at the legendary Spa will square off Thursday in the $175,000 Grade III With Anticipation Stakes for 2-year-olds on Saratoga's inner turf course.

Saturday, August 23, 2025, marks one of the most anticipated days of the Saratoga summer meet as the historic Spa hosts the 156th running of the DraftKings Travers Stakes. This signature event headlines a spectacular 14-race card that showcases five Grade 1 stakes races worth over $3.25 million in total purses. The program features the Personal Ensign Stakes, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes, Ballerina Stakes, Forego Stakes, and the marquee Travers Stakes, creating what many consider the finest single day of racing in North America.

Friday's 10-race card at Saratoga Race Course serves as the perfect appetizer to Saturday's marquee Travers Day celebration. The day features quality racing with the highlight being the Seeking the Ante Stakes for 2-year-olds, along with competitive claiming and allowance races that should provide excellent wagering opportunities. Post time for the first race is 1:10 p.m. ET, setting up an action-packed afternoon of thoroughbred racing.

Thursday's weather outlook calls for mostly sunny conditions with temperatures reaching the mid-70s, providing ideal racing conditions after recent rain that affected Wednesday's program. The forecast represents a significant improvement from the wet conditions that forced several races off the turf earlier in the week.