Horse Racing News on July 25, 2012

Centre Court, weaving through traffic in the stretch run on the Saratoga Race Course turf under Julien Leparoux, got the lead in deep stretch and prevailed in a roughly-run renewal of the $200,000 Lake George Stakes July 25.

Zagora won the Diana Stakes in 2011, but the 5-year-old mare faces a steep challenge this time around at Saratoga Race Course as Tapitsfly, Winter Memories, Hungry Island, and two European invaders join the fray.

A deep, competitive field of eight will face off in the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes July 28 at Saratoga Race Course to determine who continues to the $1 million Travers Stakes Aug. 25.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will be aboard 2011 2-year-old champion Hansen when the colt makes a start in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby Aug. 4 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, owner Dr. Kendall Hansen and Smith confirmed July 25.

Gemologist will be in the starting gate for the 45th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday.