3 races for the 3 year olds ...... the 2nd season has begun!

It was just seven weeks ago when the dreams of having a 12th Triple Crown winner in California Chrome were vanquished by Tonalist in the Belmont Stakes. It was the culmination of a somewhat fragmented Triple Crown trail where many of the top contenders either got hurt before the three major races or failed to live up to their expectations. It gave a clear path for California Chrome to climb a top of the three year old rankings. But after the "Test of the Champions" at Belmont Park, the horse from the west coast proved that he to was mortal. Now, we've reached the summertime and second season for the sophomore runners. After the next few weeks, these horses will be facing older foes in route to the Breeder's Cup Classic this Fall at Santa Anita. But until then, the three year olds will battle this week for their spot to attempt to over throw California Chrome as top dog.

We have three major prep races this weekend for the Mid Summer Derby ~ The Travers on August 23rd at Saratoga. The second tier runners battled in the Curlin Stakes yesterday going a two-turn route of a mile and an eighth. Kentucky Derby runner-up; Commanding Curve was crossed entered in that race and today's Jim Dandy Stakes at the same distance. He has to reproduce his effort the First Saturday in May to be a real threat in the Travers and any stake for contending top honors in his age group. Of the "new shooters" looking to make an impact against the "big boys"; Cousin Stephen, Joint Custody and Life in Shambles look to be the best contenders.

In the Jim Dandy Stakes today; the main prep race for the Travers, we have the return of the Belmont Stakes upset hero; Tonalist, along with Wicked Strong and the "hot horse" Kid Cruz. There are 17 horses entered between these two Travers preps with questions where the major contenders will go between the two races. But the "main speed" in the Jim Dandy will be Cousin Stephen, if he chooses this spot today. It's likely Commanding Curve goes in today's race and quite possibly that another contender; Kid Cruz races in the West Virginia Stakes next week. This leaves both Tonalist and Wicked Strong as the major plays at Saratoga for the Travers in a few weeks.

Meanwhile tomorrow at Monmouth Park in the William Hill Haskell Invitational Stakes, nine three year olds will also try to make their claim for the Travers Stakes and with a twist. A three year old filly is included in the mix by the name of Untapable. She skipped the Coaching Club American Oaks last Sunday at Saratoga and is trying to follow the footsteps of another Steve Asmussen three year old filly of the past; Rachel Alexandra and beat the boys. One only knows if she wins tomorrow and sets her sites on either the Alabama Stakes (August 16th) or the Travers the following week. But there is a couple of other high class runners who were no strangers along this year's Triple Crown trail. The speedy Bob Baffert runner; Bayern, returns to a route after an explosive victory in the seven furlong; Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park. There is even more speed entered in the Haskell by the name of Social Inclusion and Wildcat Red. The latter, Wildcat Red was taken out of his element in the Kentucky Derby with a non-effort and returned with a wire to wire overnight stakes victory at Gulfstream Park a few weeks ago. With all this speed entered in the Haskell, logic would dictate that the race would set up for a closer. That closer just could be, Medal Count who rallied in the Belmont Stakes late for third. We got a lot of three year old superstars on stage this weekend, with one goal in mind. That's becoming the top three year old heading to the biggest race at Saratoga every year; the Travers Stakes!