Jockeys locked in, spectators locked out as Saratoga opens unusual 152nd race meet
Saratoga Race Course opens for its 152nd year of horse racing on Thursday amid conditions that will lock jockeys in and keep spectators out.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the track’s traditional Summer Meet will go forward with all of the horse racing but little of the pageantry normally associated with one of the sport’s signature venues.
Like at most other tracks across America that have continued racing amid COVID-19, fans will not be allowed to attend.
Unlike most other tracks, a recent flurry of positive COVID tests among jockeys has forced Saratoga to take some extreme measures.
The New York Racing Association this week updated its health and safety protocols to address a nationwide outbreak that included three jockeys who rode at Keeneland in Lexington last week after coming in from other tracks.
Luis Saez, Flavien Prat and Florent Geroux were among the prominent riders who raced at Keeneland and tested positive either during or after the meet. Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza and Martin Garcia, who were not at Keeneland, also announced they had recently tested positive for COVID.
Until further notice, Saratoga will be closed to out-of-town jockeys. In addition, any member of the regular jockey colony who travels to ride at any other racetrack will not be permitted to return to Saratoga.
Out-of-town jockeys not riding at another track as of Thursday may be considered for inclusion at a later point but anyone riding elsewhere beginning Thursday will not be allowed at Saratoga.
“These measures prioritize the health and safety of the jockeys competing in New York, and are designed to combat the spread of COVID-19,” NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke said. “Unfortunately, the restrictive travel policies implemented today have become necessary as cases continue to rise in states across the country.”
The new measures mean some of the nation’s top California-based jockeys, who would normally fly in for Saratoga’s richest stakes races, will now be forced to stay put at Del Mar or commit to the entirety of the meet in New York.
Jockeys Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks said the restrictions have the broad support of the riders. “I think everyone here is interested in being able to contend the safest meet possible.”
▪ Two graded stakes races are scheduled on Thursday’s 10-race opening-day card at Saratoga — the $100,000, Grade 3 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies and the $100,000, Grade 3 Peter Pan for 3-year-olds.
The Peter Pan, traditionally run at Belmont Park as a prep race for the Belmont Stakes, this year is a Kentucky Derby prep points race that will deliver 50 points to the winner, 20 points for second, 10 for third and five for fourth.
Mystic Guide, ridden by Jose Ortiz, trained by Michael Stidham and making his graded stakes debut, is the 5-2 favorite in a field of nine. Country Grammer and Modernist are both 7-2 on the morning line.
Modernist won the Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds this spring but will be looking to get back on track after running seventh in the Belmont Stakes on June 20.
Haskell field set
The Bob Baffert-trained Authentic was installed Wednesday as the 4-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s $1 million, Grade 1 Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Authentic drew the No. 2 post position in a field of seven for the 53rd Haskell, which will provide 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner of the 1 1/8-mile race.
Unbeaten in his first three career starts, Authentic was second to Honor A.P. in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in his last start on June 6.
Baffert has won the Haskell a record eight times, doing so in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).
Dr Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, was made the 5-2 second choice for the Haskell after finishing as runner-up to Tiz the Law in last month’s Belmont Stakes. He will race from the inside post.
The Haskell not only serves as a Kentucky Derby prep race for the first time but has been designated a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in November.
The full field for the Haskell in post position order with odds: Dr Post (5-2), Authentic (4-5), Jesus’ Team (15-1), Ancient Warrior (20-1), Fame to Famous (30-1), Lebda (20-1) and Ny Traffic (7-2).