Grand, annual, and elegantly equine

Sooner or later every name horse seems to take the line at Saratoga: War Admiral, Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, Native Dancer, Kelso, Buckpasser, Jaipur, Damascus, Forego, Affirmed, Cigar, Curlin. Rachel Alexandra’s appearance was heralded by “Run Like a Girl’’ banners throughout downtown and the roar of the crowd when she stepped onto the track startled her so much that jockey Calvin Borel had to jump off.

Yet what makes Saratoga special, more than its pedigree, is its intimacy and accessibility. Early risers can claim a picnic table by plunking down their belongings, walk across the street to take in morning workouts with the railbirds at the Oklahoma track, wander around the stables where top trainers like Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, Nick Zito, and Steve Asmussen hang out, then head back for breakfast.