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Saratoga Springs, NY – One rite of summer meets another as blistering heat is expected to blanket the 143rd opening of Saratoga Race Course. WAMC's Dave Lucas reports...
Officials at the New York Racing Association say they expect the horses to run Friday despite temperatures in the mid-90s and oppressive humidity.
They've only canceled racing once because of heat, in 2006, at the historic track in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
The marquee race of the 36-day meeting, the Travers Stakes, could pit Preakness winner Shackleford against Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice. Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is injured and won't race in the $1 million Travers on August 27th.
The race meet at Saratoga is viewed as one of the most prestigious in the nation.
Dave Lucas, WAMC News.
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