Friday's feature race at Saratoga was the $202,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) for older horses going 1 1/8 miles on the Mellon turf course. Last year's winner Get Stormy was sent off as the 2-1 favorite in the field of 11 off his 3rd place finish in the Monmouth Stakes (G3) after winning both the Maker's Mark Mile (G1) and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1). In to challenge him included 4-1 second choice Hymn Book, second in the Suburban Handicap (G2) last out, and 7-1 third choice Baryshnikov, off his third place finish in the Oceanport (G3).
Get Stormy went to the lead immediately and he set fractions of 23.95, 48.45, and 1:12.45 over the good course while a length in front of Blues Street and Boots Ahead. Entering the stretch, Get Stormy pulled away from the tiring stalkers, opening up a 2 length advantage at the 1/8 pole through 1 mile in 1:35.55. However, Turallure, who was 9th for the first 1/2 mile saving ground early, came out 5 wide for the drive and rallied past the favorite at the 1/16 pole and drew off to a 2 1/4 length win in 1:48.75. It was another 3/4 length back to late-running Baryshnikov third.
