Which 3-year-olds belong in Haskell, Travers?

With Triple Crown season over, the focus for dirt 3-year-olds shifts to two Grade 1 races: the $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth on July 23 and the $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 27. The Haskell is run at 1 1/8 miles, while the Travers covers 1 1/4 miles.

Some 3-year-olds can excel in both the Haskell and Travers. But because of the change in distance and track, the two races favor different horses.

Here are five horses who can run well in the Haskell, followed by five horses who can succeed in the Travers. One familiar colt makes both lists below.

Haskell

Epicenter. Given Epicenter is likely to show more speed next time after the controversial ride he received in the Preakness Stakes, he might appreciate running at Monmouth and cutting back slightly in distance to nine furlongs. His Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) wins are not forgotten, nor is his excellent runner-up in the Kentucky Derby. 

Early Voting. After running second in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2), trainer Chad Brown chose to skip the Kentucky Derby with this colt. Early Voting then won the Preakness and skipped the Belmont Stakes. With the races he skipped in mind, Early Voting might appreciate the slight cutback to nine furlongs in the Haskell more than any stretchout.

Smile Happy. Although this Runhappy colt has not won this year, he made a good move on the far turn in the Kentucky Derby to put himself in fifth and within striking distance before flattening out to a fading eighth. The Blue Grass Stakes (G1) runner-up should appreciate a minor cutback.

Zozos. His 10th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby looks better upon watching the replay. Zozos ran wide while chasing a suicidal pace, which is enough to make any horse quit running late. He then fell back as far as 13th in the stretch before passing some tired horses late. As with his fellow 3-year-olds above, nine furlongs at Monmouth would fit him.

White Abarrio. Considering his wide Kentucky Derby trip, it is no surprise he did not fare well. Only a two years ago, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. almost beat Authentic with Ny Traffic, who lost by a nose. Perhaps White Abarrio can also appreciate the nine-furlong Haskell at Monmouth.

Travers

Mo Donegal. Mo Donegal won the Wood Memorial in April, closed for a good fifth in the 20-horse Kentucky Derby after drawing the dreaded rail and won the Belmont Stakes at 1 1/2 miles. It is obvious he prefers running in longer routes, which means the Travers is the perfect spot.

Zandon. After winning the Blue Grass Stakes in impressive fashion, Zandon could not get by Epicenter in the stretch of the Kentucky Derby and had to settle for third as Rich Strike went by both of them. Given Zandon’s damsire is Creative Cause, he should appreciate another shot at 1 1/4 miles in the Travers. 

Rich Strike. Without a doubt, there is a large crowd out there who regards Rich Strike’s Kentucky Derby victory as a fluke. But he did not receive a good pace in the Belmont Stakes and might excel on the Saratoga surface at 1 1/4 miles if there is more speed to help.

Charge It. Charge It ran a dismal 17th in the Kentucky Derby. But he came into the race as a green colt who ran awkwardly when second in the Florida Derby (G1). Perhaps the Derby came up too soon. With stamina on top and bottom in his pedigree, he should love the Travers.

Epicenter. Yes, Epicenter makes both lists. A couple of people believe he needs to cut back, but he won the Louisiana Derby (G2) with no problem. To fire his best shot, Epicenter needs to run either on the lead or around the leaders, and not at the rear. He could contend for the top spot in both races.