Travers & Whitney highlight 2017 Saratoga meet

The $1.25 million Travers (G1) on August 26 and $1.2 Whitney (G1) on August 5 are centerpiece events for the 2017 meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. The 40-day session features 69 stakes worth $18.775 million and runs from July 21 through September 4. Live racing is offered six days a week, with Tuesdays off.

The Whitney, a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic on November 4 at Del Mar, highlights a dynamite August 5 program that includes $500,000 Test (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at 7-furlongs; $200,000 Waya (G3) for turf fillies and mares going 1 1/2 miles; $100,000 Lure at 1 1/16 miles; and $100,000 De La Rose for fillies and mares at a mile.

The 148^th running of the Mid-Summer Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 ¼ miles anchors six lucrative stakes on the August 26 Travers Day card. The supporting features are $1 million Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) at 1 ½ miles on the turf; $500,000 Ballerina (G1) for filly and mares at 7-furlongs; $600,000 Forego (G1) at 7-furlongs; $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1), formerly known as the King's Bishop, for 3-year-olds at 7-furlongs; $700,000 Personal Ensign (G1) for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles; and $400,000 Ballston Spa (G2) for turf fillies and mares.

The $600,000 Jim Dandy (G2) on July 29 serves as the traditional local prep for the Travers and will be joined $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G1), $200,000 Amsterdam (G2) and $250,000 Bowling Green (G2) that afternoon.

The $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles on July 23 and $600,000 Alabama (G1) at 1 ¼ miles on August 19 put three-year-old fillies in the spotlight.

New York Breeders’ Showcase Day returns to its popular spot on Travers Eve, Friday, August 25. The $250,000 Albany and $150,000 West Point are among the main events.

The stakes schedule for the 149th meet at Saratoga Race Course: