I don't care if it was an off-the-turf race that was greatly diminished by scratches, or that he was taking the huge class drop from straight maidens to maiden claimers, the fact that Arch of the Diver just romped in the Saratoga opener in his first start in 23 months is a credit to trainer Graham Motion.

For us horseplayers, the fact that Arch of the Diver romped in front running fashion at an icy 7-1 demands that you keep an eye on the next couple of races to see if the Saratoga main track, which is currently muddy and harrowed, might be speed-favoring.