Saratoga Race 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.

Today marks Alabama Day at Saratoga Race Course, one of the premier racing events of the summer meet. The 12-race program gets underway at 12:35 PM with admission gates opening at 11:00 AM. The day is headlined by the prestigious Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes presented by Keeneland Sales, featuring the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles for sophomore fillies.

Friday's card at the Spa features 10 races with first post at 1:10 PM ET. The highlight of the afternoon is the Smart and Fancy Stakes in Race 9, a competitive turf sprint for fillies and mares. Weather conditions and track surface will play crucial roles, particularly for the turf races with the rail positioned at 27 feet.

Racing returns to Saratoga Race Course today under the shadow of unsettled weather, with handicappers keeping a close eye on changing conditions throughout the afternoon. The track has scheduled a full 10-race card on Thursday, August 14, featuring Military Appreciation Day festivities and highlighted by the $150,000 NY Stallion Series Stakes. Post time for the opening race is 1:10 PM ET with sunny skies and temperatures reaching the 80s providing ideal racing conditions.