Fair odds: In Saratoga's Belmont Derby, bet against known names

The bad news about the order of races Friday at Saratoga is that we all will know how Zulu Kingdom did in the Grade 3 Manila Stakes when Test Score goes postward in the Belmont Derby (G1).

The last time those two raced, it was against each other in the American Turf (G1) on Kentucky Derby day, with Zulu Kingdom winning by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths. A similar impressive win in the Manila immediately preceding the Belmont Derby is sure to drive the price down on Test Score, as well as third-place finisher New Century.

But other factors could drive the horse up, particularly the presence of Kentucky Derby alum Final Gambit. the Brad Cox trainee is sure to be more highly regarded off a solid fourth-place finish in the Derby and then a pace-compromised, also-ran performance as the favorite in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3). Now he returns to turf and as the morning-line favorite is a horse I'm willing to oppose even as he is among the more likely winners.

Of the American Turf also-rans, I greatly prefer Test Score even though only a nose separated him from New Century. Test Score is adding distance to his resume, which should be no concern given the breeding, and I like the trip he figures to sit behind Tank from the rail.

Luther is a wildcard in his first North American start. His Group 1 efforts were a cut below, but 1 1/4 lengths behind Breeders' Cup winner Henri Matisse in the French 2,000 Guineas (G1) has some intrigue, and getting firm turf might to be his liking while shedding 6-11 pounds from his starts this year.