The two top horse racing meets of the summer open this week. On Thursday, July 15, Saratoga, affectionately called The Spa, once again opens their doors to trainers, horses, and spectators. Over on the west coast, Del Mar, which horse racing fans have dubbed Where the Turf Meets the Surf, opens their doors after a coronavirus affected year. It’s time to take a look at more information on this weekend’s top stakes races at both Saratoga and Del Mar, and the four graded stakes races at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, including the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational.
Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, July 16th to Monday, July 17th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Horse Racing Odds & Picks July 13th Edition
Top Stakes Races for the Week
- When: Friday, July 16 – Saturday, July 17
Saratoga Racetrack – Friday, July 16
- Grade 3 Forbidden Apple Stakes – 1 mile turf – $150,000
A field of 10 should line up for the Forbidden Apple Stakes on Friday. The Grade 3 will attract at least three Chad Brown runners, Delaware, Sacred Life, and Value Proposition. There’s a good chance Sacred Life goes off the chalk. Corelli and Therapist will also attract action.
Saratoga Racetrack – Saturday, July 17
- Grade 3 Sanford Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $150,000
Wesley Ward trained Headline Report figures to go off the favorite. Ward is a master at training 2-year-olds. Tom Amoss’ Ottaman Empire and Brendan Walsh trained Candy Landing should also have backers.
- Grade 1 Diana Stakes – 1 1/8 miles turf – $500,000
At least seven four-year-old fillies and mares will head to the starting gate for the Grade 1 Diana on Saturday. Among the contenders is Charles Appleby trained Summer Romance and Althiqa, the second and first place runners in the Grade 1 Just A Game in their last. Chad Brown hopes Lemista and Pocket Square break up the Appleby duo.
Monmouth Park – Saturday, July 17
- Grade 3 Molly Pitcher Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $250,000
Right now, connections for ten horses plan on running their fillies in the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher. Among the runners, Mrs. Danvers, Vault, Gold Spirit, Horologist, and Royal Flag should attract the most action.
- Grade 3 Monmouth Cup – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $300,000
The Monmouth Cup is Saffie Joseph Jr. trained Ny Traffic’s third race since the 2020 Preakness Stakes. The talented runner faces a strong field that includes Night Ops, American Dubai, Bankit, Bal Harbour, and Dr. Post.
- Grade 1 United Nations Stakes – 1 3/8 miles turf – $500,000
Turf races for half-a-million in the United States are hard to come by, which is why thirteen horses entering the starting gate for the United Nations Stakes is a real possibility. Chad Brown figures to saddle three, Masterpiece, Tribhuvan, and Serve the King. Todd Pletcher has Winter’s Back, and Brad Cox puts the saddle on Arklow.
- Grade 1 Haskell Invitational – 1 /18 miles dirt – $1,000,000
Three horses from the Triple Crown trail, Midnight Bourbon, Hot Rod Charlie, and Mandaloun will contest the Grade 1 Haskell. Mandaloun could end up this year’s Kentucky Derby winner if Churchill Downs disqualifies Medina Spirit. Midnight Bourbon and Hot Rod Charlie may contest for the lead.
Del Mar Racetrack – Saturday, July 17
- Grade 2 San Diego Handicap – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $250,000
Some of the top rated handicap horses on the west coast will run in the Grade 2 San Diego. Bob Baffert will saddle two, Ax Man and Magic On Tap. Rushie, Royal Tap, and Express Train should also get some play.
