1ST RACE – Region of Merit, eased by Rich Migliore last out after bolting on clubhouse turn of turf race, was back going one turn on dirt, taking big drop from 40G to 14G for Dom Schettino with Rudy Rodriguez up; came through rail down backside to take lead from Bandit Nailhead, 4-5 favorite with Mig up, shook loose top of stretch to notch first win in 21 starts since taking Tampa Bay Derby in March 2003. Rush Around was along for second after rallying wide on turn. Bandit Nailhead, dropping from 35G for Mike Hushion, was all-out to hold third.

2ND RACE – Saffir, 3-year-old colt who cost $1.8 million as yearling, was 2-5 coming off May 28 debut when he opened six-length lead early, tired to finish third. With Javier Castellano riding him back, son of Unbridled once again set pace well off rail, chased by Cat On a Tin Roof and Cosmonaut to his outside, was confidently ridden to top of stretch as Heretic made inside move, drew off when asked. Heretic, making first start since April 30, continued on for place, his fourth runner-up finish in five starts.

4TH RACE – Little Miss Zip, debuting for Steve Klesaris in field of N.Y.-bred 2-year-old maiden fillies, didn’t show much in way of workouts, just four three-furlong breezes at Fair Hill training center, but was bred to come out running, by City Zip out of Meadowlake mare. With Norberto Arroyo Jr. up, she dashed to lead along rail, set pace pressured by Caughtinthezip and My Intepretation, drew clear final furlong. My Interpretation, debuting for John Kimmel with John Velazquez up, outfinished Caughtinthezip for place.

6TH RACE – Dave, 1-for-15 with five seconds going into N.Y.-bred turf allowance, finally found horse who likes to be bridesmaid as much as he does, Sicilian Boy, 2-for-19 with total of nine seconds and thirds. Boggy Creek Dancer went to lead in-hand under Cornelio Velasquez, then Speedjama, Edgar Prado up, came through inside to duel around turn, with Sicilian Boy, 4-5 choice under Norberto Arroyo, tucked inside behind leaders and Dave, Jose Santos up, tracking pace outside. Turning for home, Dave made his move, took lead down stretch, opened up, then held off late charge of Sicilian Boy, who was trapped in traffic top of stretch, came through narrow opening to split horses inside final furlong, couldn’t get up in time.

8TH RACE – In field of five state-bred 3-year-old fillies racing for 60G purse in Dancin Renee Stakes, Slew Motion was mistaken for Ruffian, bet down to 1-9, possibly heaviest favorite of year in New York, with 355G of 375G total pool bet to show. She set pace under Edgar Prado, then down stretch What’s Your Point provided glimmer of excitement when she made brief run, but Slew Motion kicked away again. Saratoga starts six weeks from yesterday.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 4-7-9-3-3-3

181 winners each receives $1,020

2651 consolation (5 of 6) winners each receives $17.40

No carryover.