2009 Travers Stakes Preview and Betting Tips

by Patricia Woo | Aug 24 2009

Our race of the week is the most prestigious event of the Saratoga racing season, the $1M Gr. 1 Travers Stakes. Carrying the distinction of being the oldest major Thoroughbred race in America, the Travers Stakes is one of the most important races of the year. Held annually at Saratoga Race Course, this 10-furlong race for 3-year-olds will take place this year on Saturday, August 29. And the potential lineup is packed with big-name stars, including Quality Road and Mine That Bird – and even possibly Rachel Alexandra – making the Travers Stakes one race you do not want to miss.

On track as one of the favorites to win the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Quality Road had won two consecutive races at Gulfstream Park, the $250,000 Gr. 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and the $750,000 Gr. 1 Florida Derby in March. But he was sidelined for months by hoof injuries, which entirely derailed the Triple Crown hopes of his connections - trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Edward P. Evans. Quality Road's first race back after recovering was on August 3, the $150,000 Gr. 2 Amsterdam Stakes - a resounding win coupled with a new track record that immediately put to bed any questions in his trainer's mind about this Elusive Quality colt’s racing readiness. "Up to this point right now, everything could not have gone better," Pletcher said after watching his trainee work 6 furlongs in 1:12.76 at Saratoga on Aug. 16. Quality Road's major challenge will be stretching out from the Amsterdam Stakes distance of 6 ½ furlongs to the 10 furlongs of the Travers Stakes.

Also recovering from a setback is this year's Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. An entrapped epiglottis was discovered during a routine exam after Mine That Bird worked 5 furlongs in 1:03.83 at Saratoga on Aug. 17, a condition that required minor throat surgery. However, the 3-year-old gelding has recovered quickly enough that he remains pointed toward the Travers Stakes, according to trainer Chip Woolley. "I would say we're on track right now. We don't have any excuses. The horse looks really good." Mine That Bird skyrocketed to fame in May with a shocking last-to-first victory in the Kentucky Derby. He finished second and third in the subsequent Triple Crown races, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, and followed up those efforts with another third-place finish in the $750,000 Gr. 2 West Virginia Derby on August 1. Look for Mine That Bird to again come from off the pace in the Travers Stakes.

Others confirmed for the Travers Stakes include Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and Jim Dandy runner-up Warrior's Reward. Charitable Man is still questionable, as is Haskell Invitational Stakes winner and Preakness Stakes champion Rachel Alexandra; at this point, "Rachel" seems more likely for the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes which would pit her against older males for the first time. Her relatively unheralded stablemate Kensei could be a factor in the Travers Stakes - he has been quietly raking in graded stakes titles, including the $200,000 Gr. 2 Dwyer Stakes in July and the $500,000 Gr. 2 Jim Dandy Stakes in August, and could be on track for his first Grade 1 victory.

This year's Travers Stakes is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Make it even more exciting - bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!