Top 2021 Stakes Races to Bet On From July 31st to August 1st

Top 2021 Stakes Races to Bet On From July 31st to August 1st

On Saturday, July 31, three graded races happen at Saratoga: the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes, and the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes. The Jim Dandy is a prep for the Travers Stakes in late August. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, July 31st to Sunday, August 1st. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks July 26th Edition

Top Stakes Races for the Week

  • When: Saturday, July 31 – Sunday, August 1

Saratoga Racecourse – Saturday, July 31

  • Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap – 6 furlongs dirt – $350,000

Top sprinters Whitmore, Firenze Fire, Mischievous Alex and Strike Power all plan on lining up to contest the 6 furlongs in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap. Other potential runners include Lexitonian, Miles Ahead, Three Technique, and Chance It.  

  • Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes – 1 3/8 miles turf – $250,000

Like in most turf races on the East Coast, trainer Chad Brown will saddle two contenders. Both Rockemperor and Breakpoint have a shot at the Bowling Green win. Brad Cox trained Arklow hopes to bounce back after an off the board finish in the Grade 1 United Nations. Other contenders include Todd Pletcher trained Colonel Liam, Tide of the Sea from the Mike Maker barn, and Bill Mott trained Channel Maker.  

  • Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $600,000

Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality returns to the track in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy. Risk Taking, Keepmeinmind, Dr Jack, Weyburn, and Grade 3 Ohio Derby winner Masqueparade are set to challenge the Test of Champions winner. 

Del Mar Racetrack – Saturday, July 31

  • Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $300,000

2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint second place finisher CZ Rocket is set for the Grade 1 Bing Crosby. 2020 Bing Crosby winner Collusion Illusion should enter the starting gate to defend his title. Dr. Schivel and Vertical Threat are also probable.  

Saratoga Racecourse – Sunday, August 1

  • Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs dirt – $200,000

Steve Asmussen trained Jackie’s Warrior figures to go off the chalk in the Grade 2 Amsterdam on Sunday. Papetu from the Antonio Sano barn and Drain the Clock will vie for second choice money. River Dog and Flash of Mischief should go off at overlay odds. 

Del Mar Racetrack – Sunday, August 1

  • Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $300,000

Only three are so far probable for the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar. All three are solid horses. Brad Cox saddles Shedaresthedevil, Bob Baffert plans on entering As Time Goes By and Richard Baltas will enter Venetian Harbor. Expect more top mares to throw their hat in the ring the closer we approach the race.