THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA

Now in its third decade, the Battle of Saratoga features a new twist for the 2012 edition. The Daily Racing Form’s Mike Beer joins in, taking on Daily News veterans Dave Little and defending champion Jerry Bossert in the war of wit and wagers. Each has an imaginary bankroll of $1,000, and the handicapper with the biggest bankroll on Labor Day wins:

JERRY BOSSERT

BANKROLL: $840.10 At least Beer’s father asks if he got a tip on his selections. My dad just throws my selections out, and the way I’ve been going, I think I’m owed a nice steak dinner when I return home.

SATURDAY’S PLAYS: Kathy’s Kitten turned for home in front at 5-1 but weakened to third. At least I got a run for my money. SUNDAY’S PLAYS: It’s $20 to win

and place on Our Entourage in the sixth, turf only.

TOTAL: $40

DAVE LITTLE

BANKROLL: $746.50 Experienced why being away and taking a break during Saratoga can be a good thing......

SATURDAY’S PLAYS: Watched Post Pattern (5th) spot the field about a hundred lengths, only to charge home like a maniac to get third. Ugh!

Had he been kept a tad closer, does he win? I’d love to say yes, but since I played him in the Battle, probably not.

Still 14 cards to go, and since I’m the only one in this contest with any courage, I’m a threat right to the last day, even after dropping $35. SUNDAY’S PLAYS: A $4 exacta

box using Our Entourage, Gaelico and Splendiferous (6th, turf only).

TOTAL: $24

MIKE BEER

BANKROLL: $1,049.25 Love Alabama day, and it got an major upgrade this year when my brother (the Pick 4 King) showed up with a large amount of Bass beer in the bottle (I only mention that to somewhat offset Jerry’s keg comment, as I will soon be headed downtown to drink some awful swill). SATURDAY’S PLAYS: A small profit betting Point of Entry to win at $4.80.

SUNDAY’S PLAYS: $20 win on Fast and Strong (2nd, turf only). $20 win on Medolina (8th, turf only) and $10 double Medolina (8th) to

Royal Sighting (9th). I’ll also bet $20 win on Royal Sighting, but only if Medolina doesn’t get me alive in the double.

TOTAL: $50 ($70)