Today is the "Mid Summer's Derby ", the Travers Stakes. One of the oldest races for three year old runners, which is at one of the oldest racetracks in America; Saratoga. A race that is deep with tradition and history. Every year, the third week in August, the thoroughbred world eyes are on Saratoga Springs , New York and this mile and a quarter event. The race is as big as ever, with four of the five local Albany market television stations hosting a Travers preview show, on Travers eve (last night). The "hype" surrounding this race locally is huge, especially with the success of the Saratoga meet the past 30 years or so. But, thoroughbred racing is at a crossroads in this country and especially in the state of New York . While racing is still good in New York and at Saratoga , the future could be quite interesting.
The saga of NYRA and New York State government has gone on for nearly 10 years. The "up and downs" have been documented in the media, with most times unfavorable light placed on NYRA. With the VLT's in place at Aqueduct, purses have risen the horseman and the state should be happy. But, yet a cloud hangs over the powers that run thoroughbred racing in this state. It's affected the Saratoga race meet in little ways this year. The state and NYRA have carded much more daily racing than ever. Through the first 30 days of the 2012 meet, there have been only two nine race cards. We have seen a large amount of beaten claimer races, especially for 20,000 (the lowest amount race) at the Spa.
With today's Travers Stakes, the sign of the times with the way thoroughbred horses train and race is more visible than ever. We have plenty of two year old races during the Saratoga . Most of the juvenile races that used to start in Mid-April are now starting later in June or even at Saratoga . The modern day trainers don't want to race the young horses much as two year olds. With that said, most horses going into the Triple Crown events the next year, have very little foundation. The Kentucky Derby in recent years has looked more like a non-winners of two allowance race. For the first time in recent years, we do not have a Triple Crown race winner in the Travers Stakes.
Both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners and runner-up has been retired (I'll Have Another & Bodemeister) also the Belmont Stakes winner and runner-up are not racing today (Union Rags 'retired' & Paynter 'injured') In the field of 11 Travers runners this year, only five have had Triple Crown - grade I experience. The only one that even hit the board was Atigun (3rd in the Belmont ) With large lackluster fields like in 1990 (Rhythm) 2000 (Unshaded) 2008 (Colonel John) and 2010 (Afleet Express) this year may top those races.
I see a group of three year old horses assembled that are very close to each other in talent. This makes for a great betting affair where the favorite should be no lower than 3-1. But, this is Saratoga "the crown jewel of racing" we should have had at least a one of the Triple Crown race winners. In past Travers, horseman pointed for this event. The importance of this race today, really doesn't bare much with the Fall stake races leading up to the Breeder's Cup. Also in the past, Saratoga 's rich tradition was upheld with 24 days of great racing and 9 race cards most of those 24 days. That has also changed. So, what I fell in love with 25 years ago, has evolved into something much more different. The buildings and history still remains during the race meet. But, the horses and tradition has changed. Too many races, race days and quality horses have gone to the wayside. But, like after one race is finished, there always a next one! Only it just doesn't have the same feeling......anymore.
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