Free Selections: Saratoga Super Saturday / 157th Travers

It is hard to believe the "Midsummer Derby" is upon us. There is a blockbuster card on tap, and you will definitely want to keep Saratoga in your betting plans. Here is a plan from my handicapping for Super Saturday and the 157th running of the Travers, with your Saratoga E-Z Win Form in hand. What are you waiting for? It's almost post time!

Race 8: The G1 H. Allen Jerkens (7f, 3:19pm ET)

#4 Englishman. Jose Ortiz in the saddle for Cherie DeVaux. Son of Maxfield, who will get a good deal of attention at the windows in multi-race wagers and this stakes as well. He has been off for two months and shows morning drills at Keeneland after winning the G1 Woody Stephens.

Race 9: The G1 Personal Ensign (1 1/8, 3:55pm ET)

#4 Scottish Lassie. Hails from the Jorge Abreu barn with Jose Ortiz in the irons. Second start off the layoff, and she is 5 for 5 in the money at Saratoga. She can dictate the pace or lay right behind and stalk. She was a beaten favorite last out, and the barn comes back to turn the tables at a 23% win clip. Ortiz wins 22% with early runners and 26% going a route.

Race 11: The G1 Forego (7f, 5:11pm ET)

#6 Senior Officer. Brad Cox trainee going a bit longer with Luis Saez in the saddle. Second start off the layoff, and Saez should have him on the pace, as he is an excellent speed rider winning 20% on this move. He is a perfect 2 for 2 at Saratoga and should be right near the action and pounce as he creeps up the class ladder.

Race 12: The G1 Ballerina (7f, 5:49pm ET)

#12 Eclatant. Daughter of Into Mischief for Brad Cox with Manny Franco aboard. She should lay just off and move when the real running begins, as she is 3 for 5 with wins going 7f. She has some solid works and is a perfect 3 for 3 this year.

Race 13: The G1 157th Running of the Travers (1 1/4, 6:35pm ET)

#5 Renegade. Hails from the Pletcher barn with Tyler Gaffalione astride. Second start off the shelf, coming in as the beaten chalk in the Belmont Stakes. He bobbled at the start and came back to win the G2 Jim Dandy. He will be rolling late, and he is 3 for 3 in the money at the Spa. His last win looks to be a very good start to the end of the summer racing campaign. Strong late kick.

Best of luck, Ed.