Saratoga racing highlights for week 6

North American racing’s biggest stars meet at the Spa, and that will continue this week, with the Travers S. (G1) looming Saturday.

Let's take a look back at last week's slate of racing and look ahead to the most important weekend at Saratoga.

Malathaat regains glory in Alabama

 Malathaat bounced back from the only loss in her career — a second-place finish in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) — to take the Alabama S. (G1) by 1 1/2 lengths. She put away Maracuja, the only filly to best her, and five others.

The Alabama was Malathaat’s sixth win and third Grade 1 victory. She also captured the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Ashland S. (G1).

She has three Hall of Fame connections in trainer Todd Pletcher, jockey John Velazquez, and sire Curlin. Pletcher said she could be pointed toward the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Technical Analysis romps in Lake Placid

Technical Analysis led all the way and finished 3 1/2 lengths ahead in the Lake Placid S. (G2) to bring his record to 4-0-1 from six starts.

He likes the lakes — his previous graded win came in the Lake George S. (G3).

Jose Ortiz was in the irons for trainer Chad Brown both times.

Saratoga's signature week is here

Travers week is here, and the weekend features eight graded stakes, with six Grade 1 contests on the Saturday card.  

Three Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races precede the marquee race — the Ballerina S. (G1), which grants an entry in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1); the Personal Ensign S. (G1), a qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1); and the Sword Dancer S. (G1), which will send a runner to the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1).

Essential Quality, unbeaten in all of his races not named the Kentucky Derby (G1), headlines the Travers.