Early Look: 9 horses are listed as probable for Travers Stakes
For the first time since 2017, the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga will include three winners of Triple Crown races.
According to probables released by the New York Racing Association, Kentucky Derby winner Mage, Preakness winner National Treasure and Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo are expected for Saturday's mid-summer derby.
But it's likely that none of them will be the favorite. That distinction could go to Forte, who was scratched from the Derby and Preakness and second in the Belmont, breaking a five-race win streak. Todd Pletcher's champion 2-year-old colt came back to win the Jim Dandy (G2) by a nose.
Mage, trained by Gustavo Delgado has had two starts since the Derby, finishing third in the Preakness and second in the Haskell (G1), won by Geaux Rocket Ride.
The Preakness is the only win of the year for National Treasure, trained by Bob Baffert. He was fourth last out in the Belmont.
The Travers would be the first start for Arcangelo since winning the Belmont for Jena Antonucci. He came into the Belmont after winning the Peter Pan (G3).
Here are the rest of the probables expected for the 1 1/4-mile race.
Tapit Trice. Also trained by Pletcher, he had four consecutive wins before finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Belmont. He most recently was fifth in the Haskell.
Disarm. The Steve Asmussen trainee has a record of 6: 1-2-1 this year, with the win coming in the Matt Winn (G3) on June 11. He finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby and Jim Dandy and will add blinkers for the Travers.
Reincarnate. One of two expected to be entered by Bob Baffert, he led gate to wire last out to win the Los Alamitos Derby by 2 1/2 lengths. He also won the Sham (G3) in January and was 13th in the Kentucky Derby.
Scotland. Bill Mott's gelding won his debut in March and two others since, including the Curlin last out after leading the entire trip to beat Il Miracolo by 3 1/4 lengths.
Il Miracolo. Trained by Antonio Sano, he's 1-for-7 this year, with his only win coming in an optional-claiming allowance race at Gulfstream Park in May. He was seventh in the Belmont Stakes.