Exaggerator Puts in Final Travers Work
- Laura Pugh
- Aug 20, 2016
- 2 min read
Photo Credit: Averie Levanti
The 2016 Travers Stakes (GI) is finally beginning to take shape as the contenders put the finishing touches on their preparations.
Currently, it looks as though the Travers will include Preakness Stakes (GI) and Haskell Invitational (GI) winner Exaggerator will top the field. The son of Curlin put in his final work for the Travers in this morning, going five furlongs in 1:00.95. The work was described as a “marked improvement” by assistant trainer Julie Clark.
"I liked this work," said Clark. "It was much nicer than the two that Keith was worried about. He went through the lane with his head nice and level, didn't have to be asked.
“Dylan didn't even get after him, didn't push him at all. He thought he had actually worked him a little slower than he did so he was surprised he did it so easy."
After the work the colt wasn’t even blowing, according to Clark.
The Jim Dandy victor Laoban also worked at Saratoga this morning, going five furlongs in 59.77 which was the bullet for the distance. Trainer Eric Guillot caught the son of Uncle Mo galloping out six furlongs in 1:12 and 1/5 and was pleased with the way Laoban worked.
"He worked like a beaver with an overactive thyroid trying to dam the mouth of the Mississippi," raved the Louisiana native. "That's how good that work was. It was incredible."
Chad Brown’s three Travers hopefuls also put in their final works, all coming at five furlongs. Connect and Gift Box, the winner and runner-up of the Curlin Stakes, went 1:01.11 and 1:02.48 respectively. My Man Sam finished his drill in 1:02.65.
Also likely for the Travers are Steve Asmussen trainees Gun Runner and Creator, along with Bob Baffert’s American Freedom. American Freedom was last seen finishing a courageous second to Exaggerator in the muddy Haskell.
Mohaymen, who was originally pointing to the Travers, may now forego that race to peruse the Kings Bishop Stakes (GI) on the Travers Day undercard. The son of Tapit worked a bullet on August 19th, and appears to have come out of that in good order.
"Great - he came out of the work excellent," said McLaughlin. "I'm going to speak to [Shadwell Vice President/General Manager] Rick Nichols this morning, but all is well.
“I'm just saying I'm going to speak to him because the King's Bishop is in the loop, but we'll point to the Travers most likely."
With so many horses aiming towards the “Mid-Summer Derby” it is very possible that the race could have big implications in the Eclipse Awards voting. Currently, many believe that Exaggerator is in the lead, but still needs to prove himself over a dry track. With how forecast predicting sunny and clear skies with a high of 82 degrees, it is likely Exaggerator will finally answer that question.
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