The Travers Stakes is running tomorrow at Saratoga, Race 13, at 6:35 PM. Outside the Triple Crown, it is considered one of the most prestigious races and is nicknamed the “Midsummer’s Derby.” This race draws the most people to Saratoga throughout the meet and is one of the most-watched races of the year.
The Travers Stakes is also the oldest stakes race, starting in 1864. The race was named after William R Travers, the president of the old Saratoga Racing Association, along with being a founder of Saratoga Race Course. His colt, Kentucky, was the first one to win the inaugural race. Kentucky went on to win 21 of 22 starts and was later inducted into the American Racing Hall of Fame, helping to mark The Travers as a prestigious race for 3-year-olds.
The Travers has continued to grow in importance throughout its history and has become a race that many of the sport’s greatest horses have competed in. Some of the most famous winners include Man o’ War in 1920, Whirlaway in 1941, and Secretariat in 1973. In more recent years, horses such as American Pharoah, Arrogate, and Epicenter have also added their names to the list of Travers winners.
One of the most memorable moments in Travers history came in 2015 when American Pharoah, fresh off winning the Triple Crown, was defeated by Keen Ice in one of the biggest upsets in the race’s history. This showed just how unpredictable the Travers can be and why it remains such an important race for 3-year-olds. Winning the Travers is a major accomplishment on its own and can help define a horse’s place in racing history.
While our trainer, Bill Mott, does not have a horse in the race this year, there are plenty of amazing 3-year-olds to pay attention to. These include: Emerging Market, Leading Change, Napoleon Solo, The Puma, Renegade, Ocelli, Sea Strike, Baby Vino, Golden Tempo, Silent Tactic.
With so much talent in the field, tomorrow’s race should be an exciting one to watch. The Travers has a long history of bringing together some of the best 3-year-olds in the country, and this year’s group looks like it will be no different. Be sure to tune in and see who will add their name to the list of past Travers winners and take home the title of the “Midsummer’s Derby.”
We are rooting for Golden Tempo owned by one of our Dormello partners St Elias Stable. Pick up the Tempo!!