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SARATOGA HIGHLIGHTS: WEEK 6

by Pat McKenna

Bolton Landing: Wednesday’s seventh running of the $120,000 Bolton Landing for 2-year-old fillies going 5 ½ furlongs over the inner turf is the feature at Saratoga Race Course.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Masters of Nostalgia. 

NYRA Bets Gift Cards: NYRA Bets Gift Cards are available for purchase at more than 150 Stewart’s Shops and can be used to deposit funds automatically into a NYRA Bets account to bet Saratoga online in addition to hundreds of racetracks nationwide.

Saratoga Live: Saratoga Live will present daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.  

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

Jonathan Sheppard and Union Avenue: The day’s feature is the newly minted Grade 1, $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard, a steeplechase formerly known as the New York Turf Writers Cup. The 80th edition of the race was renamed this year to honor the career of Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard who won this race 15 times and trained at least one winner at Saratoga every consecutive year from 1969-2015. It will be the opener of Wednesday’s 10-race card with a 1:05 p.m. Eastern post time.

Wednesday’s card will also include the $100,000 Union Avenue, a 6 1/2-furlong handicap on the main track for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Thursday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Mark and Jill Blues Band.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

Skidmore: The afternoon will feature the ninth edition of the $120,000 Skidmore for 2-year-olds sprinting 5 ½ furlongs over the Mellon turf.

NYRA Hometown Hero, presented by CDPHP: NYRA will announce the next honoree in its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, which recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic. Each honoree receives the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle.

Cooperstown Distillery Tasting: Fans will be invited to enjoy a complimentary tasting of the Cooperstown Select American Whiskey Smash from Cooperstown Distillery at the Jim Dandy Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Switch.

Piazza Italia: The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Franklin Micare from noon to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

Alabama Day: Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks winner Maracuja is set to square off in a rematch against Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat in Saturday’s Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama. The card also includes a pair of turf races: the Grade 2, $200,000 Lake Placid for 3-year-old fillies and the $120,000 Smart N Fancy for fillies and mares sprinting 5 ½ furlongs.

Trifecta of Tastings: Fans will be invited to enjoy several complimentary tasting events on Alabama Day, starting with Babe Wines from 1 to 5 p.m. outside The Cutwater Stretch and the Chandon Garden Spritz from 1 to 3 p.m. near the Travers Clubhouse Bar. Rounding out the afternoon will be a sampling of the Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit Rosé from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Clubhouse Bar from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Dunkin’ Discover Your New Brew Sampling Event: Fans will be treated to samples of Dunkin’s signature Iced Coffee as well as the new Apple Cranberry Dunkin’ Refresher featuring Honeycrisp apple and cranberry fruit flavors during the Dunkin’ Discover Your New Brew event. Samples will be available to fans exiting the Clubhouse gates starting at 3:30 p.m. Dunkin’ will also celebrate the new fall flavors available at participating Capital Region restaurants by offering complimentary Dunkin’ cards to fans exiting through both the Clubhouse and main gates. Samples and cards available while supplies last.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Display: Fans will have the opportunity to check out the new all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, which will be on display near the Clubhouse escalator throughout the afternoon, courtesy of Upstate Ford Dealer Group.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Donna Tritico Band.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22

Summer Colony: The day’s feature is the $120,000 Summer Colony for fillies and mares going nine furlongs.

Brunch at The Rail at the 1863 Club: Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays: The popular kid-oriented weekly event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. 

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from ILL Funk.