Fayeq doing well ahead of Travers presented by NYRA Bets

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Fayeq is doing well ahead of the Travers presented by NYRA Bets and will be looking to surprise the prognosticators entering the 'Mid-Summer Derby.'

"He's doing great and we're all set," McLaughlin said.

Fayeq, who along with Lookin At Lee is the longest shot in the field at 30-1, drew the outside in the 12-horse field. McLaughlin said the Malibu Moon colt has had issues at the gate but added he is glad that he won't have to contest with pace from the outside.

"We won't be in the gate long and we wanted to have the speed inside of us, so hopefully it works out," McLaughlin said.

A half-brother to Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra, Fayeq is making his stakes debut after breaking his maiden on June 11 at Belmont Park and winning against allowance company at 1 1/8 miles on July 26 at Saratoga.

Dickinson galloped Thursday morning in preparation for the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa. McLaughlin said there are no issues heading into a six-horse field that features 4-5 favorite Lady Eli, who was second in last year's edition of the Ballston Spa at 1 1/16 miles on the Mellon turf.

"All is well," McLaughlin said. "Lady Eli and the rest of the field are tough competitors but she's training great and we're excited."

Takaful also galloped Thursday and remains set for the H. Allen Jerkens, where he drew post 2 at 5-1 odds.

"Takaful's doing great; he worked a little bit this morning and all is well," McLaughlin said.