Grade I Travers Features Star-Studded Cast

After two dominant performances in the Woody Stephens and the Haskell, Bayern is the deserving favorite at 2/1 for trainer Bob Baffert.  Bayern is the controlling speed of the race and has posted back to back Beyer Speed Figures of 108 and 107 – both better than anything any other runner has managed to achieve thus far.  The only question for Bayern is the classic distance of a mile and a quarter.  Even so, the speed favoring nature of Saratoga’s main track could flatter Bayern’s style.  It’s also worth noting that Bayern was a seven length winner in the Haskell – his furthest race to date at a mile and an eighth.

Tonalist should be rolling late 

Distance is not a question for Tonalist (3/1 ML) after winning the mile and a half Belmont Stakes in June.  The Christophe Clement trainee came back to run a credible race in the Grade II Jim Dandy although he could not reel in the front-running Wicked Strong.  The added ground should give Tonalist the edge over that rival in the Travers.

Wicked Strong cannot be counted out  

At 7/2, Wicked Strong’s speed and class make him a serious contender, but the multiple graded stakes winner will likely find himself in a tracking position behind the speedy Bayern.  That tactical difference could compromise his ability to fire his best effort.