Labor Day seems like a long time ago.

Yet for racing in New York, the return to Saratoga is now right around the corner.

Actually, 41 days to be exact.

While trainers never like to look to far ahead, stakes races at Saratoga have begun to be mentioned for many top runners. Rags to Riches will go next in the July 21 Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park, followed by either the Alabama or Travers upstate. Curlin will target the Haskell (since the Breeders’ Cup is at Monmouth this year) followed by the Travers.

Hard Spun seems on a similar path to Curlin.

Street Sense sounds more likely to tackle the Jim Dandy in advance of the Aug. 25 Travers.

Ermine, who races in Saturday’s Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs, will then race in one of the two Grade 1 races for her division at the Spa - the Go For Wand or the Personal Ensign.

And the venerable 8-year-old gelding Better Talk Now, fresh off a thrilling victory in the Manhattan, seems more likely to head to the Sword Dancer this summer than the Arlington Million.

The 2007 Saratoga race meet opens on Wednesday, July 25, and continues through Labor Day (Sept. 3).