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.

Making just his third career start in Saturday’s Saratoga Derby (G1), undefeated Program Trading handled the class hike, and displayed terrific battling qualities, to prevail in his stakes debut.

Whitney Day includes a trio of turf stakes, led by the $600,000 Saratoga Derby (G1) that offers a match-up between Belmont Derby (G1) winner Far Bridge and Belmont Oaks (G1) heroine Aspen Grove.