Despite the jeopardy the NYRA racing calendar, including the Saratoga meet, was in until several weeks ago, NYRA officials expressed optimism for the prospects of the upcoming racing season at a press conference previewing the meet today in Albany.

"It would be inappropriate if we didn't talk about this and just pretended it was happy face time," NYRA president and CEO Charlie Hayward said of the backdrop the meet will take place under. Although he did spend several minutes discussing financial issues, he said he's optimistic that the standard of racing at the meet, and the public's satisfaction with the track's various offerings, will be as high as ever.

Among the topics touched on at today's conference:

-- The racing schedule. Saratoga will offer over $10.5 million in total purses during the 40-day meet, with at least one stakes race per day. The calendar includes 17 Grade I events, 12 Grade II races and five Grade IIIs.

-- The creation of the Betfair TVG Triple Tiara, a bonus series held in New York for 3-year-old fillies.

-- The worries about competition from Monmouth leading to short fields, as horsemen take their stock elsewhere to chase richer purses. Director of Racing P.J. Campo said he's had over 3,000 applications for the 1,800 available stalls from about 150 trainers, including several out-of-town notables. Campo and Hayward both noted that tracks across the country will struggle with short fields due to smaller foal crops in recent years, but they don't expect any undue issues for Saratoga.

-- The wagering menu, with a guaranteed Pick Six every Thursday and a guaranteed Pick Four every Saturday.

-- The TV schedule for the meet. No races will be nationally televised - including the Travers, previously highlighted on ESPN's summer schedule - but MSG Plus will produce six installments of "Saturdays at Saratoga." The change is mainly due to financial reasons.

-- New sponsorships and food offerings. The Shake Shack burger was highly touted.

-- The special events planned for the meet. The Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing (July 31-August 1) and the Travers Festival (August 21-29) are highlights. The meet will also feature two twilight racing cards (July 30 and Sept. 3), a Halloween-themed Friday the 13th card (August 13), a wine festival (August 6) and the return of Mid-Summer St. Patrick's Day (July 29).

-- The annual giveaways: A St. Patrick's-themed Saratoga T-shirt (July 29), a Rachel Alexandra cap (August 8), a Saratoga umbrella (August 22, hoping Murphy's Law will ward off rain on Travers Day) and a Saratoga logo long-sleeved T-shirt (Sept. 5).

For more details and thoughts from various NYRA officials and sponsor representatives, pick up tomorrow's Saratogian. We'll have coverage in both the News and Sports sections.