Saratoga Springs is abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated Travers Stakes approaches. Forte, a formidable contender who unfortunately had to withdraw from the Kentucky Derby due to a stone bruise, has drawn the coveted inside post position and is now the 7-5 favorite for this prestigious race.
The draw for the Travers Stakes took place at the elegant Adelphi Hotel Ballroom in downtown Saratoga. Forte, representing the Repole Stable and the St. Elias Stable, will be ridden by Saratoga’s leading jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer Todd Pletcher, a legendary figure in the horse racing world, expressed his confidence in Forte’s readiness for the Travers, stating that the horse is seasoned and comfortable in various positions, making the inside post position advantageous.
This year’s Travers field will feature a rare gathering of Triple Crown winners, with Mage, the victorious Kentucky Derby horse, drawing Post 4. Trainer Gustavo Delgado’s colt will be guided by jockey Luis Saez and is the third choice on the morning line. Delgado Jr., who serves as his father’s assistant trainer, expressed satisfaction with the post position and shared their excitement to be a part of this strong field.
Post 5 will see the Preakness winner, National Treasure, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the saddle. Trainer Bob Baffert aims to enhance National Treasure’s performance by removing blinkers, a move that has drawn attention from co-owner Jack Wolf, who trusts Baffert’s decisions wholeheartedly.
Arcangelo, the victorious Belmont horse, will start from Post 2 and is the second choice at 5-2 odds. This horse, representing Blue Rose Farm and trainer Jena Antonucci, made history as Antonucci became the first woman to train a Triple Crown race winner. Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano will once again partner with Arcangelo, and Antonucci looks forward to Castellano’s expertise in determining the race strategy.
Disarm, from Winchell Thoroughbreds, is vying for a consecutive Travers win for trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Joel Rosario. They triumphed in last year’s race with Epicenter and hope to replicate their success. Disarm will break from Post 6 and shares the same 8-1 odds as National Treasure.
Tapit Trice and Scotland are considered the co-outsiders at 12-1 odds, according to morning-line oddsmaker David Aragone. Tapit Trice, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, will start from Post 3. Scotland, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, has enlisted Junior Alvarado as the jockey.
Overall, the Travers Stakes promises to be an exhilarating event, with a stellar lineup of top-notch contenders. Horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the thrilling spectacle that awaits at Saratoga’s signature summer event.
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