The racing week will build to a crescendo on Saturday, with National Treasure leading a flashy field in the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes at Saratoga. This isn't the only top-level race on the schedule; the Test (G1) and Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1) also highlight a stakes-heavy weekend card that includes the Troy (G2). Del Mar will feature the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) on Saturday, while Mountaineer and Ellis Park host some of their season's most prominent races on Sunday.

Diego Velazquez and Legend of Time lead a compelling field of sophomores in the sixth running of the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational on Saturday. The 1 3/16-mile race on the Mellon turf at Saratoga offers prestige and a coveted automatic berth into the US$3.26 million Cox Plate (G1), scheduled for October 26.

Cinderella's Dream and Segesta, who finished first and second in the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Aqueduct Racetrack on July 6, are set to face off again in the Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes (G2T) on August 2 as horse racing odds favorites. 

Johannes showcased his versatility and talent by winning the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar on July 28. This was his first victory at 1 1/8 miles and this track. This win is particularly significant with Del Mar set to host this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, positioning Johannes as a strong contender with encouraging projected horse racing odds. 

Grade 1-winner Sierra Leone made an impressive rally from last place to finish second in the $500,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga Race Course on July 27. Under the guidance of jockey Flavien Prat, Sierra Leone closed the gap from 10 lengths behind to challenge the winner, Fierceness.