The Travers Stakes

[TJ]

Here's the field, with official entries in post position order which they drew last night. NYRA still assembling Saturday's card so waiting on the overnight and past performances. Will post pp's as soon as they come out.

1) Commanding Curve (jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, 15-1)
2) Bayern (Martin Garica, 2-1)
3) Charge Now (Junior Alvarado, 15-1)
4) V. E. Day (Javier Castellano, 15-1)
5) Viva Majorca (Julien Leparoux, 20-1)
6) Tonalist (Joel Rosario, 3-1)
7) Wicked Strong (Maragh, 7-2)
8 Kid Cruz (Irad Ortiz Jr., 12-1)
9) Ulanbator (Brian Hernandez, 30-1)
10) Mr Speaker (Jose Lezcano, 10-1).

[TJ]

Here's the past performances. TJ
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_viewe ... m3=2005944

[Georgerz]

I like Tonalist in this race. I don't think that Bayern can get the distance, even though his grandam won long on the grass.

[bdw0617]

I like bayern but i don't like 2 to 1.

I'd take a shot on commanding curve at 15 to 1

[da hossman]

I also like TONALIST - lots of early speed in the race (Wicked Strong will not have an easy lead) and TONALIST was not 100% fit for the Jim Dandy. Closers should do well, and TONALIST is my pick of the closers.

[Mahubah]

I think Wicked Strong has a good shot. Tend to agree about Bayern not really wanting the distance unless he has things his own way, though I could be wrong. Sometimes horses do stretch out a bit more as they settle down and gain maturity.

[Mac]

Pulling for V E Day, strictly through sentiment. He doesn't look to have the seasoning, however the English channel sire credentials are solid for the distance if not the surface. We have 3 mares in foal to English Channel, which is more than I wanted to have to any one sire but the reasons ended up being there for doing it. Now we may be selling one of the mares which was NOT the plan back when, and I need all the help I can get from V E Day and any other dirt runner by this sire, prior to November:)

Kind of thinking Bayern will struggle past a mile and eighth so could be a really interesting race.

[TJ]

Interesting race, shapes up a bit like the Haskell in that the speed horses, going a distance around 2 turns, are lacking in any sharp 3/4 fractional speed. That was the case with Bayern and the reason why he won the Haskell. We know Bayern is thought to have distance limitations, but is that the reason or was it the blinkers that made the difference, Bayern's 4 for 4 with blinkers on. Blinkers also made the difference with Wicked Strong...he's a different horse with B's and since getting to Saratoga. Jimmy Jerkens added blinkers for the Jim Dandy and he showed more speed then ever before to wire the field. The 1 1/4 distance of The Travers should be perfect for him. TJ

Wicked Strong
Bayern
Tonalist

Mr. Speaker and Commanding Curve should be used in Triple Plays.

[ct2346]

I think Tonalist wasnt wound for the Jim Dandy but the Travers will be a different story. Linda cruises up for 2nd.

[ak1]

I like Tonalist but given the sealed track today, I think you need to look at who may move up in the slop, Viva Majorca perhaps, should the track not dry out. Kid Cruz keeps on flying late for pay checks and will have pace to run after. Very excited to see how this plays out.

[Cree]

I think Tonalist will be sharper than his last. I also like Kid Cruz to get a piece.

[Maureen]

Pulling for V E Day, strictly through sentiment. He doesn't look to have the seasoning, however the English channel sire credentials are solid for the distance if not the surface. We have 3 mares in foal to English Channel, which is more than I wanted to have to any one sire but the reasons ended up being there for doing it. Now we may be selling one of the mares which was NOT the plan back when, and I need all the help I can get from V E Day and any other dirt runner by this sire, prior to November:)

Kind of thinking Bayern will struggle past a mile and eighth so could be a really interesting race.

We are pulling for V.E. Day, as well. Our partnership (three of us) owns his 2 y.o. full sister, and after his Curlin win, the calls and texts started coming to see if she is for sale. And she is, for the right price. The interested parties have been told that if V.E. Day has a top three finish, the price she is now will not be the price after the race. So wish him well!

[bdw0617]

lol that offlee wild kicked in about the 9F mark lol


that horse wants no part of 10F. good horse though.

[TJ]

WOW...Jimmy Jerkens runs one, two as V.E. Day gets up to beat Wicked Strong for the Jerkens crew and a couple of our posters (congrats to Mac and Maureen):>) Tonalist third and Kid Cruz 4th.

[Cree]

Congrats! Glad this will help some posters here.

What an exciting race!