2024 Travers Stakes to begin: What you need to know

SARATOGA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- And the horses are almost off! The 155th running of the Travers Stakes is about to begin. The excitment was palpable as fans rushed through the gates early Saturday morning.

"It's the biggest day of the whole race, and I always thought it would be Whitney with the owners in town," said Christine A. Moore, the owner of Christine A. Moore Millinery. "But it's really, this is New York's Derby."

The Travers Stakes is one of the oldest sporting events in U.S. history. Thousands of people arrived Saturday morning and afternoon, but some fans even camped outside the Saratoga Race Course late Friday night. They said it was all in an effort to get a good spot for the race.

“Ended up getting here at 10, I'm freaking exhausted I'll tell you that," said Steven Pastore, a Ballston Spa resident. "Slept on a lawn chair all night," said Tyler Keegan, also a Ballston Spa resident. "Yep slept on a lawn chair all night but you know we prevail, we made it through."

Many fans like these men, have been coming to the Travers Stakes Race for the last few years. With practice, they said they've mastered a few of the best strategies for their families.

"We want to be by a bathroom, very easily accessible here," said Steven. "You know, you got all the great TV shows, you got a little bit of shade, you have a little bit of sun. It's kind of a perfect picture for a family."

This year, eight horses will be competing for the $1.25 million prize and Man O' War Trophy. One horse, Thorpedo Anna, is vying for her spot as the first filly to win the Travers Stakes since 1915. Many fans said they are rooting for her victory.

“I'd love to see Thorpedo Anna win," said Tyler. "Yeah, I'm with him," said Steven.

"Go girls, go, go girl power," said Christine.

Other fan-favorite horses in the race include the 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch, as well as Unmatched Wisdom and Sierra Leone.

“Listen, I like Thorpedo Anna, but I think its a Dornoch day," said Ken O'Grady, a Floral Park resident.

Ken said him and his wife travel up to Saratoga nearly every weekend, but they came especially for this weekend. They both said this was a historic tradition they didn't want to miss.

"We've been here since very early and we'll be here 'till very late," said Ken.

Horses aside, many said they came for the good spirits and value of traditions.

“It's just a great day out. It's a beautiful track. It's so historic. It's very friendly," said Kelly Zabel, a Nyack resident.

"It's all tradition, right? It's the Saratoga traditions -- the biggest race day of the year," said Ken.

The Travers Stakes Race is set to begin at 6:10 p.m. Saturday night.