How to bet the Bernard Baruch Handicap

A small, but talented, field of six will contest Sunday’s $150,000 Bernard Baruch (G2) on the Saratoga inner turf.

Bernard Baruch Analysis

#6 Halladay draws outside and will take the lead in the early stages, with #3 Somelikeithotbrown in close attendance throughout.

Bernard Baruch Contenders

#1 SEISMIC WAVE -- Mott trainee enters off of a sharp runner-up performance in the Poker (G3). Chestnut son of Tapit is a multiple stakes winner with a strong turn of foot, and he could peak in his third try of 2020. Jose Ortiz rides the exotics contender.

#2 GOOD GOVERNANCE -- Top pick is lightly raced, but very talented for Chad Brown. Kingman colt rolled home with ease in a Belmont allowance tilt in his yearly bow, and I expect improvement from the 4-year-old second off the shelf. Top selection shows two positive morning drills leading up to this and will have Irad in the silks once again.

#3 SOMELIKEITHOTBROWN -- Grade-3 winning son of Big Brown shows a pair of good races on the course and will be a factor from the start on Sunday. One of two in the field for Maker, the bay colt was last seen finishing a stubborn third in the Fort Marcy (G3) at Belmont, and he figures with a forward move on Sunday. Tyler Gaffalione will take the reins.

#4 MR DUMAS -- Second from the Maker shedrow looks to be in a tough spot with spotty form this campaign. Grade 3 winner was a solid third in a loaded allowance heat at Churchill Downs most recently, but he will need better to make the frame against this cast.

#5 OLYMPICO -- Brown pupil commences his 5-year-old season in his third try on the course. Gelding ran a big one when making his 2019 finale in the Knickerbocker (G2), but I think that he will need one off the long absence. Joel Rosario will be up.

#6 HALLADAY -- Consistently good Pletcher charge has been at his best as of late following a pair of fine wins in succession at Gulfstream Park. War Front colt is swift and ran well in his lone local appearance, as well. Kentucky-bred gets a fine draw outside of the small field, and the 4-year-old will be the one to run down turning for home beneath Luis Saez.

Bernard Baruch Wagers

• $20 Win: #2 Good Governance ($20)
• $5 Exacta Key Box: 2 with 1,6 ($20)