The Grade 1, $1 million Travers on Saturday is shaping up to be a showdown
between Kentucky Derby winner Orb, Belmont Stakes victor Palace Malice, and
Haskell Invitational hero Verrazano.
Also probable are Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul, seventh in the
Haskell in his most recent start; Dwyer winner Moreno, third in the Jim
Dandy; Romansh, who was promoted to victory in the Curlin Stakes; Transparent,
disqualified from first and placed fifth in the Curlin; War Dancer, who is
switching from turf to dirt after taking the Virginia Derby; and Rebel
winner Will Take Charge, second in the Jim Dandy, according to NYRA stakes
coordinator Andrew Byrnes.
Entries will be taken and post positions drawn for the Travers on Wednesday at
11 a.m. (EDT) in the Saratoga paddock.
The Travers card will be complemented by three additional graded stakes: the
Grade 1, $500,000 King’s Bishop for three-year-olds; the Grade 1, $500,000 Test
for three-year-old fillies, and the Grade 2, $250,000 Ballston Spa for fillies
and mares.
In the seven-furlong Foxwoods King’s Bishop, Forty Tales will attempt to win
his fourth straight stakes, having already captured the Derby Trial, Woody
Stephens and Grade 2 Amsterdam, all at margins between a neck and three-quarters
of a length. Salutos Amigos and Declan’s Warrior, third and fifth, respectively,
in the Amsterdam, also are probable for the King’s Bishop, as are Quick Call
top-two finishers Central Banker and No Distinction, and Let Em
Shine and Majestic Hussar. Bad Hombre and Mentor Cane are possible.
The Test, also at seven furlongs, will serve as a rematch between Prioress top-three finishers Lighthouse Bay, Wildcat Lily and Irish Lute.
They’ll face Victory Ride heroine Baby J, I’m Mom’s Favorite, My Happy
Face, So Many Ways, and Sweet Lulu. Ju Ju Eyeballs is possible.
The Ballston Spa at 1 1/16 miles on the turf is expected to
attract Laughing, who won the Diana on July 27 for owner Richard Santulli, as well as Diana fourth- and fifth-place finishers Samitar and Centre
Court. Also probable are Better Lucky, Hessonite, Hungry Island, Miz Ida,
and Somali Lemonade. Embarr is possible.
On Sunday, Saratoga will present the Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign
Invitational Handicap for fillies and mares. Two-time champion Royal Delta, who
won the Delaware Handicap by 10 3/4 lengths on July 20, will attempt to make
amends for her runner-up performance as the odds-on favorite in last year’s
Personal Ensign. The provisional field also includes Authenticity, who captured
the Shuvee Handicap on July 20 at the Spa, Centring, Flashy
American, Apple Blossom Handicap heroine On Fire Baby and Open Water.
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