Golden Tempo is seeking a Grade 1 hat-trick when he jumps in the Travers Stakes on Saturday night.
Sitting behind only the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in terms of races for three-year-old's in America -- according to international classifications -- it regularly produces a superstar winner.
Golden Tempo has taken both of those contests this season and rocks up at Saratoga very much at the top of the Classic generation pile.
His victory in the Kentucky Derby came as quite the shock but there was no doubt regarding the manner of his second top-level success, streaking one-and-a-quarter-lengths of a decent Belmont field.
He will have many of the same horses to beat again, however, there are some fresh challengers trying to knock him off his perch.
Sea Strike is arguably the most fascinating of the new faces, arriving here fresh off the back of a stunning Listed win at the track last time out. The Midshipman colt put eight-and-a-quarter-lengths between himself and Chief Wallabee in second; highlighting that he has huge potential heading into just his fourth racecourse start.
Another that will be desperate to have a pop at this is The Puma. He was a late withdrawal -- when well fancied -- in the Kentucky Derby and maybe wasn't seen to best effect when raced off the pace in the Haskell Stakes last time out.
Wathnan Racing-owned Leading Change is another potential star in the field after consecutive wins to begin his career on the track. His chances are very much based on promise at the moment, but the way he took care of Our Moneyman in the Indiana Derby would provide some encouragement that he could make the step up.
Despite the new challengers, it is the returning Renegade that is expected to put down the biggest challenge to Golden Tempo. Downed by just a neck in the Ketucky Derby and then a wider margin in the Belmont, he may have put in a career best when landing the Jim Dandy Stakes last time out and a repeat effort could see him trouble the judge.
Travers Stakes full field
- Emerging Market
- Leading Change
- Napoleon Solo
- The Puma
- Renegade
- Ocelli
- Sea Strike
- Baby Vino
- Golden Tempo
- Silent Tactic
Travers Stakes betting odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
