After the running of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at a yielding Aqueduct, persistent rain washed the Belmont Turf Sprint and Jockey Club Derby off the turf. The surface switch materially altered their character.

Exciting turf sophomore Carl Spackler outclassed the field in Friday’s Saranac (G3) as a 1-4 favorite should, cruising to a 3 1/2-length victory at Saratoga.

Late-blooming sophomore Scotland put himself into Travers (G1) consideration with a front-running victory in Friday’s $130,950 Curlin S. at Saratoga.