The Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational highlights a competitive field of three-year-olds

The Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational highlights a competitive field of three-year-olds this Saturday, as Diego Velazquez and Legend of Time head an intriguing lineup over 1 3/16 miles on the Mellon turf at Saratoga.

For the second year running, the $600,000 race offers the winner an automatic entry into the $3.26 million Cox Plate (G1) on October 26.

Diego Velazquez, trained by Aidan O’Brien, is the latest from Ballydoyle to contest the Saratoga Derby. Breaking from post 4 with Ryan Moore, he comes off a dominant win in the Meld (G3) and is a full-brother to Group 1 winner Broome. O’Brien believes the horse is in prime form for this race.

Legend of Time, representing Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, draws post 3 with William Buick. A five-time winner, he was the beaten favourite in the Belmont Derby (G1) but has shown strong recent form, including a victory in the Pennine Ridge (G2). Appleby is optimistic about his chances.

Royal Majesty, trained by Bill Mott and breaking from post 7, has shown promise with a recent fourth-place finish in the Belmont Derby. He seeks his third win in his seventh start.

White Palomino, trained by Chad Brown and starting from post 8 under Flavien Prat, has been consistent with a win and two close seconds this season. Brown is hopeful despite a short turnaround.

This race promises to be a thrilling contest with a mix of proven performers and promising newcomers.