Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course: August 8, 2020
This race was first run in 1864 at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York and was won by a horse owned by William R. Travers. Hence the name. It has the nickname of “Mid-Summer Derby and is considered the third most important American horse race for three-year-olds behind the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. It is an American Grade 1 Thoroughbred race.
The prize money for this race has reached up to and possibly over $1.25m and is ran as a left handed race for 1 1/4 mile.
History of Travers
This race is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York and is a Grade i Thoroughbred affair. It is for 3 year olds and is a mile and a quarter in length. It is named after Wiliam R. Travers who was once president of the Saratoga Racing Association and his horse won the first running. The first race was held in 1864. 
Current Odds
- First Line 30-1
- Country Grammar 6-1
- Uncle Chuck 5-2
- Max Player 6-1
- Shivaree 33-1
- Tiz the Law 1-1
- Caracoro 10-1
- South Bend 15-1
Thoughts
There is one top horse in the event, Tiz the Law, along with several very good entries that will have to run a perfect race to win it. In six career starts for Tiz the Law, he’s made all his opponents look weak. He has seriously not been challenged as the winner of the Holy Bull Stakes, Curlin Florida Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Barclay Tagg had this to say about his horse:
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. We’ve been very fortunate, I don’t think any distance makes a difference for this horse. From what I’ve seen, I just don’t have any feeling that he can’t handle it. It would be nice to win it if we could.”
Contenders appear to be Uncle Chick and Country Grammer but don’t rule out Caracaro and Max Player as contenders in this race.
Everyone expects Tiz the Law to win but the odds don’t really get you anything. I would consider either not wagering this event and taking some juicy odds from one of the above horses. For the upset and value pick I will go with Caracaro to win.
There are four traditions that take place every year for the Travers Stakes winner and they include:
Trophy
The Travers Trophy is known as the Man O’War Cup.
Travers Blanket
The winner of the Travers Stakes will receive an extravagant floral blanket, a beautiful blanket of flowers to drape over the horse, hand-made locally with over a thousand carnations.
The Travers Canoe
The Travers Canoe has been a lovely tribute to the winners of the Travers, every year since 1961. Every year, the canoe is painted in the colors of the silks of reigning Travers winner.
Travers Festival
The city of Saratoga Springs NY celebrates the entire week leading up to Travers Day with various events.
Other Races on this Date
SARATOGA
Longines Test S.(Grade 1)
$300,000.00; 3 Year Olds
7 Furlongs
SARATOGA
Ballerina H.(Grade 1)
$300,000.00; 3 Year Olds And Up
7 Furlongs
SARATOGA
Troy(Grade 3)
$200,000.00; 4 Year Olds And Up
5 1/2 Furlongs(Turf)
DEL MAR
Best Pal S.(Grade 2)
$150,000.00; 2 Year Olds
6 Furlongs
SARATOGA
Waya S.(Grade 3)
$150,000.00; 4 Year Olds And Up
1 1/2 Miles(Turf)
DEL MAR
Yellow Ribbon H.(Grade 2)
$150,000.00; 3 Year Olds And Up
1 1/16 Miles(Turf)
GULFSTREAM
Not Surprising
$100,000.00; 3 Year Olds
1 Mile(Turf)
GULFSTREAM
Martha Washington
$100,000.00; 3 Year Olds
1 Mile(Turf)
MONMOUTH
Tyro S.
$75,000.00; 2 Year Olds
5 Furlongs(Turf)
ARLINGTON
Sharon N. Kirby Memorial S.
$75,000.00; 3 Year Olds
1 Mile(Turf)
WYO DOWNS
Wyoming Downs Derby
$12,000.00; 3 Year Olds
6 Furlongs
Races on August 9th
DEL MAR
La Jolla H.(Grade 3)
$125,000.00; 3 Year Olds
1 1/16 Miles(Turf)
MONMOUTH
Oceanport S.
$100,000.00; 3 Year Olds And Up
1 1/16 Miles(Turf)
SARATOGA
Alydar S.
$85,000.00; 4 Year Olds And Up
1 1/8 Miles
BELTERRA
Horizon S.
$75,000.00; 3 Year Olds
1 1/16 Miles(Turf)
EMERALD
Coca Cola S.
$40,000.00; 3 Year Olds
6 1/2 Furlongs
EMERALD
Seattle Slew S.
$40,000.00; 3 Year Olds
6 1/2 Furlongs
