Tipsheet: 2023 Travers Stakes

A sensational field of seven top three-year-olds will travel 1 1/4 miles over the main surface at Saratoga in Saturday’s $1.25 million Travers S. (G1).

Travers Stakes Picks

• #6 Disarm
• #2 Arcangelo
• #1 Forte
• #5 National Treasure

Travers Stakes Wagers

• $20 to win and place on #6 Disarm ($40)
• $5 Exacta: key box 6 with 1,2,5 ($30)
• $1 Trifecta: 2,6 with 1,2,5,6 with ALL ($30)
  Total: $100

Travers Stakes Contenders

#1 FORTE (7-5): The reigning two-year-old champ gamely drove home to eclipse the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga leading up to this loaded event. One of five Grade 1 winners in the field, the Todd Pletcher trainee has never run a bad race and is the one to beat if he peaks in his third start since April. Regular pilot Irad Ortiz Jr. will be in the silks.

#2 ARCANGELO (5-2): The rapidly evolving Belmont (G1) star has trained up to this engagement and will be tough if he runs back to his classic tally last time out. Trained by Jena Antonucci, the gray son of Arrogate has worked steadily in preparation for this contest, and the distance seems ideal for him. Javier Castellano will guide the Kentucky-bred.

#3 TAPIT TRICE (12-1): Blue Grass (G1) hero was a nice third in the Belmont two back before failing to fire in the Haskell (G1) in his latest endeavor for Pletcher. The strapping gray will race with blinkers for the initial time on Saturday, and if the colt takes to the equipment change, then he will be a danger at a price with Jose Ortiz in the silks.

#4 MAGE (4-1): Kentucky Derby (G1) star had a fine prep for this storied event when runner-up in the Haskell at Monmouth Park last time out. The consistently very good son of Good Magic has reportedly been training in fine fashion in preparation for this tilt, and he will be making his move approaching the turn for home with Flavien Prat inheriting the ride.

#5 NATIONAL TREASURE (8-1): Baffert pupil bagged the Preakness (G1) two back, prior to tiring in the lane when fifth in the grueling Belmont. The well-bred son of Quality Road looks to be the pace of the Travers even with the removal of blinkers, and he will be difficult to run down if allowed to dictate things through slow early splits with regular rider John Velazquez retaining the mount.

#6 DISARM (8-1): Gun Runner colt has run well against many of the best in this division in 2023 and could get over the hump if the addition of blinkers helps him on Saturday. Steve Asmussen trainee has posted some nice morning drills as of late and will benefit from stretching out in distance on Saturday with Joel Rosario in the stirrups once again.

#7 SCOTLAND (12-1): The gelded son of Good Magic is a nose shy of being unbeaten from four career performances for conditioner Bill Mott. A winner of the Curlin S. at Saratoga most recently, the chestnut has won from both on and off the early tempo, and his versatility will certainly aid him while facing the toughest test of his career. He’d be a bit of a surprise, nonetheless, with Junior Alvarado taking the reins.