$1,000,000 Gauranteed Travers Day All Stakes Pick Four
August 24th, 2012By Jude T. Feld
9th Race – The Ballston Spa (G2)
#2 ZAGORA is a Grade 1 winner. She has a solid closing kick and figures to have some pace to run at with #6 TAPITSFLY and #5 SUMMER SOIRÉE duking it out up front. Should either one of those encounter trouble at the start, the other might just be a cinch. #7 RUTHENIA has enough tactical speed to sit just behind the leaders and could get first run. #4 HUNGRY ISLAND has reportedly had throat surgery since her last start and should run better today.
10th Race – The Test (G1)
#8 CONTESTED is incredibly talented and was no doubt compromised by a funky track in the Mother Goose (G1). Back sprinting on a fast track, she looks very hard to get by. #3 BOOK REVIEW is on an improving pattern and looked sharp winning at today’s distance at the Spa on July 20. She figures in the mix. #5 BEAUTIFUL BUT BLUE has improved in every race she has run in the last year. She could round out the trifecta with another superior effort.
11th Race – The Foxwoods King’s Bishop (G1)
#8 UNBRIDLED’S NOTE has been patiently handled by trainer Steve Asmussen. He has worked very well for this event and owns the perfect style for the trip. #7 EVER SO LUCKY has talent and is finally in a spot that suits his pedigree. His 12-1 morning line seems very generous. #3 CURRENCY SWAP has never lost a Saratoga start and looks well-spotted here. #9 TRINNIBERG is the best three-year-old sprinter in the land and must be used despite an ugly pace picture.
12th Race – The Travers (G1)
#10 NONIOS second-place finish to Paynter in the Haskell (G1) points him out as a Travers (G1) contender. He is bred for the mile and a quarter and attracts the services of Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Beat him to win it.
