Notes on the Travers (G1) Program

By Jude T. Feld

Travers Day is a Saratoga tradition for many horseplayers. I am writing this edition of the Racing Page from paddock side at the Spa with a plethora of fans enjoying the races and the balmy weather as the Personal Ensign (G1) approaches. The forecast for Saturday afternoon is HOT – with a few thunder showers expected.

Saratoga 7th * Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) – LINDA’S LAD, already a Group 1 winner in France finds a relatively weak field to make his U.S. debut. His trainer, Eddie Kenneally, is excellent with shippers to North America and horse coming off a brief rest. A top effort can be expected. It is interesting to note that Julien Leparoux jumps off top contender COSMONAUT to ride him.

Saratoga 8th * King’s Bishop Stakes (G1) – HARD SPUN has faced the best three-year-olds in the nation all year long with more than just modest success. He has never been beaten in a sprint and continues to train quickly for sharp trainer Larry Jones. He will finally be able to utilize his speed and that could spell trouble for the rest of the field. KING OF THE ROXY is one tough colt. Purchased for a mere $8,000 at Keeneland, the Ohio-bred has won two Grade 2 events and $526,400. It would not be a surprise to find him in the trifecta.

Saratoga 9th * Travers Stakes (G1) – Kentucky Derby (G1) winner STREET SENSE needs no introduction. It is very likely that the Carl Nafzger trainee will add the Travers silver to his already burgeoning trophy case. He will be a very short price and deservedly so. Saratoga is known as “the graveyard of favorites” for a reason. If the champion gets beat, it will probably be by SIGHTSEEING. The Kentucky-bred son of Pulpit was getting to his nemesis in the Jim Dandy (G2) and has an extra eighth of a mile to try and get by him today. He will need his best effort to date to accomplish that task.

Saratoga 10th * Victory Ride Stakes (G3) – There are so many speed demons entered in this race it is almost obligatory to bet a closer. STREET SASS always finishes with interest and should be flying up the rail late under Calvin Borel. DEBBIE GOT EVEN also owns a solid closing kick and has hot-riding Kent Desormeaux in the irons. This race will undoubtedly be determined by the best trip.

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