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.

The Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar on July 27 holds significant implications for the Breeders' Cup. As part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, the winner secures a guaranteed spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) on November 2. This race is even more critical since the Breeders' Cup Sprint will be contested on the same Del Mar surface, giving the winner a potential home-field advantage. This is a pivotal event on the horse racing schedule, setting the stage for future races and influencing Breeders' Cup betting strategies.