Hofburg to miss Travers Stakes 2018 with fever

Hofburg, winner of the Curlin Stakes on July 27, is out of the 2018 Travers Stakes after spiking a fever, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said Sunday morning at Saratoga Race Course.

Hofburg, owned by Juddmonte Farms, appeared to be rounding into top form following a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes and a convincing five-length win in the Curlin at Saratoga in his last start.

"Hofburg will not run in the Travers,'' a disappointed Mott said. "He's been off the training list the last two days and we're not going to force ourselves into the Travers."

A chestnut son of Tapit, Hofburg has a record of 2-1-1 in six starts and earnings of $432,950.

The field for Saturday's Travers, a Grade 1 worth $1.25 million, remains large, with as many as 12 starters, including Grade 1 Haskell Invitational winner Good Magic and the filly Wonder Gadot.