Notes on the Travers (G1) Day Stakes

By Jude T. Feld

RACE 8 – BALLSTON SPA (G2)

MARAM is a quality filly who is taking a huge drop in class for this race. She ran creditably against the top-class Proviso, Shared Account and Forever Together, any of whom would be odds-on here. She also had a bad trip last time and should get a more patient ride from Jose Lezcano Saturday. Her 5-1 morning line is exceedingly generous. MISS KELLER has shown steady improvement for sharp trainer Roger Attfield. She should get a great trip from the rail. MEKONG MELODY, another Attfield trainee has been tearing ‘em up in Canada and gets the acid test for class.

RACE 9 – VICTORY RIDE (G3)

RAPPORT had no chance at Calder when she ran off with Robby Albarado and posted a :21 1/5 opening quarter. Shippers were at a distinct disadvantage that day and she held on for a check despite the negative drawbacks. KID KATE boasts the positive “golden triangle” pattern in her past performances. Her stable has been on fire at the Spa and a big performance can be expected. BEYONDALLBOUNDARYS is improving and dangerous. She’ll be a square price too.

RACE 10 – BALLERINA (G1)

WARBLING has been knocking on the door. With talented jockey Julien Leparoux slated to ride millionairess INFORMED DECISION, hot-riding Javier Castellano takes over on her today. He has a more aggressive style and should have her in a great spot turning for home. INFORMED DECISION has proven herself a synthetic track specialist but she can run on dirt as well. She is a deserving favorite albeit not an unbeatable one. JESSICA IS BACK was very good to us winning the Princess Rooney (G1) at Calder. Trainer Marty Wolfson has done wonders with her since picking her up for $50,000 in a claiming race last year.

RACE 11 – KING’S BISHOP (G1)

It is my contention that D’FUNNYBONE is the best three-year-old sprinter in the nation. You can throw out his race at Calder since only local horses performed well on Summit of Speed day. He is an undefeated four-for-four at seven furlongs and has the ability to rate which should serve him well in this speed-laden field. BANK MERGER comes from the clouds. The Darley color-bearer has never lost a race and finds a plethora of speedy foes to set the table for him.

RACE 12 – TRAVERS (G1)

SUPER SAVER needed the Haskell (G1). He has trained well since, retains services of Calvin Borel and has won at a mile and a quarter. We’ll take the 6-1 on the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner. AFLEET EXPRESS finished well in the Jim Dandy (G2) on a day where speed was king. Look for another good performance and an improved one if the track is fair. Stone closer FLY DOWN had no chance on the paved Jim Dandy (G2) track. He can finish big and finds plenty of speed to set up his closing charge. Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito excels on days “when the whole world is watching.”

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