Nobody deserves the opportunity to make his MLB Debut more than Kevin Smith. The East Greenbush native finally got his long awaited call up from the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, and the former Columbia High School and University at Maryland standout, is more than ready to show off his skills. KJ had a monster season in Triple-A which included a .947 OPS. It’s been a long grind for Smith since being drafted by Toronto in the 4th round 4 years ago, but all his hard work and dedication is paying off. Smith patiently waited his turn, and I have no doubt he will take full advantage of it. Welcome to the Show, Kevin.

Wednesday already begins the stretch run of the 40 day Saratoga Racing, with the biggest and best yet to come. The Alabama Stakes for top three year old Fillies is Saturday, followed by the Travers Stakes on August 28th. The Jockey and Training titles are close at the top and right now both are still up for grabs. Mechanicville’s Chad Brown is sitting on a strong finish, and I give Chad the inside track, but Michael Maker is having a very impressive meet. And you can never count out Hall of Fame Trainer Todd Pletcher. The meet has flown by, but enjoy the Grand Finale. Trainer Brad Cox is grabbing the big headlines this Summer in Saratoga, and the biggest is yet to come.
Cox won the Jim Dandy with Essential Quality, Cox won the Whitney Stakes with Knicks Go, and Cox will be favored to win the Travers on August 28th. Essential Quality will be the heavy favorite to win the Mid-Summer Derby and Cox has done phenomenal job of training him since his only loss in the Kentucky.

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