Saturday’s Travers Stakes drew a high-quality, competitive field of eight starters competing for a hefty $1.25 million purse along with the right to inscribe their name in the sport’s history.
Here then, is a brief look at the field:
1. THORPEDO ANNA [ML 3-1] Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. Trainer: Ken McPeek. This is a big test for the filly, but if you trust McPeek’s judgment that she can handle this spot, she’s your play. Hernandez retains the mount.
2. SIERRA LEONE [ML 7-2] Jockey: Flavien Prat. Trainer: Chad Brown. If he can keep a straight path and not get into bumping matches with the competition, he might find himself in the Winner’s Circle.
3. UNMATCHED WISDOM [ML 8-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Chad Brown. Ortiz will replace Prat, who rode the colt in his first two starts. This is a big class jump, but this one could pull a surprise at decent odds.
4. CORPORATE POWER [ML 15-1] Jockey: Javier Castellano. Trainer: Shug McGaughey. He did beat BATTEN DOWN in a Maiden race at Gulfstream Park earlier this year and has shown improvement in his speed figures with each start. Regular rider Castellano stays aboard.
5. BATTEN DOWN [ML 20-1] Jockey: Junior Alvarado. Trainer: Bill Mott. His speed figures have improved with every start- maxed out at a 98 in the Jim Dandy (G2). He would need to take a significant step forward to beat this field.
6. HONOR MARIE [ML 20-1] Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione. Trainer: Whit Beckman. He has some stamina on his sire side. Has had a few months off, if the addition of blinkers do the job, he could surprise.
7. DORNOCH [ML 5-2] Jockey: Luis Saez. Trainer: Danny Gargan. The Belmont Stakes at Saratoga was contested at the Travers distance giving him a leg up on the competition. Regular rider Saez stays in the irons.
8. FIERCENESS [ML 3-1] Jockey: John Velazquez. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. He has the best speed figures in the field with a 110 in both the BC Juvenile and the Florida Derby and earned a 108 last out. Beware the bounce.
The Travers Stakes is slated as race 13 on a massive card of 14 with a scheduled Post Time of 6:10.
Best of luck no matter how you play it.
