Smart Transition Under Consideration for Travers

Another horse being given Travers consideration is Arnold Zetcher's Smart Transition, dominating winner of the $100,000 Curlin Stakes on July 31. 

Trainer John Shirreffs said Sunday morning that he will point the 3-year-old Smart Strike horse to Saratoga's signature race, which may also attract American Pharoah, racing's first Triple Crown champion since 1978.

"I'm going to talk to Mr. Zetcher about [the Travers]," he said. "Because the 3-year-old year for colts is such a unique opportunity, you'd hate to not give him a chance if he's up to it. [Winning a race over the track] is really important. He's shown that he likes training here."

Smart Transition spent the winter in California, where he broke his maiden in his third try April 30, beating older horses. He was third in a Belmont Park allowanceJune 6, three-quarters of a length behind runner-up and subsequent Indiana Derby winner Tiz Shea D, then was fourth behind undefeated Speightster and Texas Red in the Grade 3 Dwyer July 4.

"He looks good," Shirreffs said. "He's been a victim of some bad trips. We were just hoping that he would get a good trip, we liked the idea and the configuration of two turns; that way, the speed doesn't get too far in front. It worked out really well." 

Shirreffs was impressed with the way Smart Transition accelerated away from the field in the stretch, pulling clear to a 4 ¾-length victory over Tekton. 

"I was really surprised with that. That was something I hadn't seen before, how he opened up like that," he said. "I don't think [going longer] should be a problem."

Source: NYRA Communications