The graded turf stakes at Saratoga on Saturday offered completely different case studies in how pace makes the race.

Trained by Ed Walker for Mrs. Fitri Hay, the progressive four-year-old crossed swords with high-profile Godolphin runners during the Dubai Carnival.

Backers of odds-on favorite Eclatant had a few anxious moments in Saturday night’s Chicago S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Albus did no sort of running in last month's Kentucky Derby (G1), finishing 15th in the field of 18. His fortunes might improve, though, on Saturday when he breaks outside in a field of 10 in the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown over 1 1/8 miles.

Ted Noffey made a statement in the Hopeful (G1) on Labor Day, pummeling the opposition in recording an 8 1/2-length victory.

The winner of the Turf Sprint will receive an expenses-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 1, which carries a $1 million purse.

The Travers Day program at Saratoga on Saturday features three Breeders' Cup Challenge races, with the $500,000 Personal Ensign (G1) garnering much of the pre-race day attention.

The $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) headlines a trio of graded stakes taking place on the second Saturday of the Saratoga summer meet.

After a seventh when trying to repeat in the Derby City Distaff (G1), Vahva mounted another title defense in Saturday’s Chicago (G2) back at Churchill Downs.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen got his Preakness Day off to a literal fast start on Saturday by saddling the first two stakes winners on the card, both in dirt sprints.

The stakes on Saturday's Preakness Day undercard at Pimlico are a mixed bag of competitive heats and others with apparent stickouts.

Keeneland offered a pair of “Win & You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge series on the main track Saturday, and East Avenue and Zeitlos stamped their respective tickets for the Juvenile (G1) and Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) in opposite manner.

Two dirt stakes on the first Saturday of the Keeneland fall meet award “Win and You’re In” berths to the Nov. 1-2 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.

Trainer Christophe Clement had to scratch favorite Roses for Debra from Thursday’s Caress (G3), but her stablemate, Dontlookbackatall, stepped into the breach at Saratoga.

Following four consecutive runner-up finishes versus maiden special weight rivals, Lemon Muffin jumped to stakes competition with a stunning upset in Saturday's $400,000 Honeybee (G3) at Oaklawn Park, rallying to win going away by 3 1/2 lengths.