If not for a brief virus, Highland Chief would have contested last Saturday’s Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Aqueduct. But trainer Graham Motion’s fallback plan worked out just fine.

Six graded stakes highlight a dynamite 12-race program Saturday at Kentucky Downs on Saturday. The $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) and $750,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3) were originally scheduled, and the $1 million Mint Million (G3) has been brought back after being canceled due to adverse weather conditions at the all-turf venue last Saturday.

The Bowling Green (G2) started out as a leisurely Sunday stroll for turf veterans, but turned into a mad dash for the wire at Saratoga.

Sunday’s Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga has attracted a field of six, including Highland Chief, Rockemperor, L'Imperator, Arklow, and Cross Border.

A “nearly” horse throughout his career, Rockemperor is a bridesmaid no more after breaking through at last in Saturday’s Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park.

Imperador thwarted two-time champ Arklow in Saturday’s Turf Cup (G2), a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), and Princess Grace extended her winning streak in the Ladies Turf (G3).

After a fine second in his stakes debut in the June 19 San Juan Capistrano (G3), Astronaut rocketed into the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) with a 24-1 upset of Saturday’s “Win and You’re In” Del Mar H. (G2)

Trainer Chad Brown swept both graded turf stakes on Haskell Day at Monmouth Park, and his winners displayed contrasting styles.

Class on the grass is generally no misnomer, and Arklow had it in spades over his rivals in Saturday's $150,000 Louisville S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. The multi-millionaire seven-year-old made his first run since November a winning one as the 13-10 favorite, prevailing by one length in the 1 1/2-mile fixture.

Racing analyst Nicolle Neulist brings us story-lines to follow for Breeders' Cup 2020 at Keeneland. She highlights contenders in the Classic, Turf, Juvenile and more!