Forte tops quality field in Travers Stakes

By NY Hot List Staff | August 24, 2023

The showdown in the 3-year-old division that everyone has eagerly awaited will take place Saturday at Saratoga in the Travers Stakes when division leader Forte will take on the three Triple Crown winners: Mage (Kentucky Derby), National Treasure (Preakness), and Arcangelo (Belmont). It should be an epic battle when the field of seven faces off at the mile-and-a-quarter distance at the Spa. Forte will be favored, but there will be several quality horses offered at intriguing prices on the toteboard, making a great viewing and wagering opportunity.

The Travers is scheduled as race 12 out of 13 with post-time set for 6:11 p.m. EDT.

The $1.25 million Travers (G1) at Saratoga, Saturday, Race 12.

(2) Arcangelo returns from his victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1) more than two months ago. Right after the win trainer Jena Antonucci planned to train up to the Travers and reports are that he is thriving. Javier Castellano stays on board looking for his seventh victory in the Midsummer Derby. (1) Forte won the Jim Dandy after running second in the Belmont when he was forced to miss the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. The 2-year-old Champion is the horse to beat and is likely to be a heavy favorite. (4) Mage has two losses in the Preakness and the Haskell since winning the Kentucky Derby. Jockey Luis Saez was injured and Flavien Prat will ride Mage for the first time. (7) Scotland is the winner of 3 out of 4 starts including the Curlin at Saratoga last month. The son of Good Magic made his first start in March and has improved in each of his starts for trainer Bill Mott who will try and get his first Travers victory.

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