While grade 1 winners Channel Maker and Sadler’s Joy have been regulars in top-level turf races in New York and beyond, a pair of talented 4-year-olds looking for their own North American grade 1 success await in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T).

As far as racing rivalries go in an era of rest, rest, and more rest, Midnight Bisou vs. Elate rates as one of 2019’s best examples of the phenomenon.

Despite having his seven-race win streak snapped, Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt’s Mitole again will be the one to beat in the $600,000 Forego Stakes Presented by Encore Boston Harbor (G1) Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course.

Two grade 1-winning fillies approaching the million-dollar milestone are set to battle in the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina Stakes (G1) Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course. And a spot in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mares Sprint awaits the winner.

While the riders opposing Hog Creek Hustle in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes Presented by Runhappy (G1) likely won’t be able to physically keep an eye on the late runner, they’ll try to brace for his stretch surge.

Led by a Midshipman colt sold for $120,000, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s Summer Yearling and Mixed Sale posted across-the-board gains when compared with the 2018 edition.

Highland Sky tracked the early speed and had plenty in reserve entering the stretch, taking command from the outside and cruising to his first win in 14 months and first stakes win in three years in the $93,000 John’s Call Stakes.

Led by a Midshipman colt sold for $120,000, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s Summer Yearling and Mixed Sale posted across-the-board gains when compared with the 2018 edition.

New York-breds are set to take over Saratoga Race Course Aug. 23, with six stakes worth $1.15 million highlighting New York Breeders’ Showcase Day.

William S. Farish has a strong pair of contenders for the Aug. 24 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) in Code of Honor and Highest Honors, and a rooting interest in 30-1 longshot Chess Chief.

An unbeaten roan set the tone for the all-conquering triumvirate of Frankie Dettori, John Gosden, and Khalid Abdullah at the Ebor festival as Logician scored a ready victory in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur (G2) Aug. 21 at York. 

With just three rivals in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1), Enable heads the smallest turnout in the 1 1/2-mile feature for fillies and mares Aug. 22 at York since Roseate Tern defeated four rivals 30 years ago.

Maryland farm was devastated by a fire that ravaged the main barn Aug. 12

Japan stayed on best to edge past short-priced favorite Crystal Ocean by a head in an epic duel to land the about-1 1/4-mile Juddmonte International (G1) Aug. 21 at York. 

The Jockey Club announced Aug. 21 the election of six new members: Shannon Bishop Arvin, Gary Barber, Terry Finley, Pope McLean Jr., Jaime Roth, and Chuck Winner.