8/27/22
10 SAR The Travers (GI)
$1,250.000 3yo 1 1/4m Dirt 122lbs
You can have all of the xxx Derbys that you want… I’ll take The Travers (GI), every single time. Does it getting any bigger at SAR? …this is the last word in “the summer is over”. We get a great field of twelve set to go post-ward in the ’22 rendition of this classic, and I’m going with the “story line” as my top selection… Positive Id was claimed for $30.000, yet last out, he took the Haskell (GI) to make it three wins in a row for the new connections. I think he keeps getting it done and wins another today. I’ll give the KYD (GI) winner the second spot, as Gigabyte looked good when third here in the Dandy (GII) and I think he can be a serious contender in this race. Individuation won the Dandy (GII) and I’ll put him in the third spot. The big barn is always in the middle of these huge purses, and I think this one will play a major factor.
Here’s The Field –
Two wins this season but he hasn’t had his picture taken since winning the Hutchinson, back in Mar. He just missed last out when second in the Dandy (GII) and was third in the Peter Pan (GIII), so don’t count him out. He’s just going to need his best and this barn usually makes sure that’s what they bring to the track
Won the BEL (GI) to stamp himself as a major player, but came back from that big win to be ninth in the Haskell (GI). That’s kind of his game, win or leaves his race in the stall… so which do we get today?
His three-year-old season has been a mixed bag, but with his only win coming in the BG Stakes (GI) at KEE, you know he had to run close in a few big races, and that’s just what he’s done. Third last out in the Haskell (GI), fourth in the KYD (GI)… you get the picture, you have to give him a serious look every time he loads into the starting gate.
Rags to riches story just keeps getting better… claimed three back for just $30.000 and has three wins for this outfit, breaking maiden, taking down a big Alw race then winning the Haskell (GI) by a head. Is there another chapter to this made-for-Hollywood story?
Solid performer that brings home a check like a coal miner. His only seasonal off-the-board performance was in the PRK (GI) and he was only two lengths back in that race. He’s certainly a horse that deserves a big look in this one.
The KYD (GI) winner is still looking for his first win since that first weekend in May, but he’s been knocking on the door and bringing home checks. Third in the PRK (GI) and again in the Dandy (GII), he should run another bang-up race in this one as well.
Stepped up to the big leagues and was fourth beaten a length in the Haskell (GI), so certainly nothing to be ashamed of there. This looks a bit deeper to me, so he’s going to have to keep on improving if he wants to bring home some cash today.
No wins this year, but he’s been close in a number of races… third in the FLA Derby (GI), fourth in the PRK (GI) and third (DH) last out in the Dwyer (GIII), he’s a horse that certainly look due to run big, but this is a tough lot.
PRK (GI) winner, he also won the TAM Derby for his other ’22 score, and he’s had a tough go of it in most other races. He was fourth in the BEL (GI) but it will be interesting to see who shows up for this one.
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher… broke maiden and really hasn’t done much else. Will his name be Bugs Bunny today?
Solid run to be second in the Haskell (GI), and he also won the FLA Derby (GI), so he’s shown some ability… but, his other races have been a bit of a struggle, but I do like him and I really like him if it rains.
Got the job done in the Curlin over this surface, and considering he’s a $19.000 Auction purchase, you really can’t fault where he’s gotten to under this sharp trainer. Can he kick it up a notch and pull the upset?
COZMAN 4 / 6 / 5 Willie’s Green Card 4 / 3 / 11
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
