2002 Travers Stakes

Jim Dandy winner Medaglia d'Oro is the 2-5 morning like favorite for the Travers.

Date: 08/21/02

The Travers Stakes at Saratoga, also known as the Mid-Summer Derby, run at 1 1/4 miles with a purse of $1 million will hold its 133nd running Saturday afternoon August 24th. This year's running has attracted a field of 9 three-year-olds, including Jim Dandy winner Medaglia d'Oro and early Kentucky Derby favorite Repent, who will be making his first start since April.

Medaglia d'Oro is considered the horse to beat in the Travers. He is coming off a second place finish in the Belmont and a win in the Jim Dandy, and hopes to add his first Grade 1 win in the Travers. His trainer Bobby Frankel said: "I don't want any excuses. I expect him to win this race, and if he doesn't I'll be disappointed. The Travers will tell how good he is. Facing older horses is not that far off. He still has to move up a little bit, but not that much."

Former Kentucky Derby future book favorite Repent is making his comeback in the Travers.

Repent will be making his first start since finishing second to War Emblem in the Illinois Derby on April 6th. After that race, he had a bone chip removed from his ankle and missed the Triple Crown series. He has been working very well coming into this race and his trainer Ken McPeek hopes to make this comeback start a winning one. "We're by no means forcing the issue here," McPeek said. "He's propelled himself forward. If Medaglia d'Oro cruises up front, he's going to be very tough to beat. I'd like to see someone keep him honest. I know I have a nice horse with a lot of talent. I'm excited about running him a mile and a quarter because he's always acted like he wants to run that distance."

Post time for the Travers Stakes is 5:55 pm and it will be broadcast on ESPN, along with the King's Bishop, from 5:00-6:30pm EDT. Free past performances are available from Equibase and Daily Racing Form. Free selections are available from Bet Glen 2 Win. Below is the field for the Travers with post positions and odds. Click on each horse's name for a full background and analysis. All horses carry 126 lbs.

Travers Stakes

Who will win the Travers?

The Travers Stakes

Purse: $1,000,000 Distance: 1 1/4 miles

PP Horse Trainer Jockey M/L
Odds

1 Shah Jehan Lukas Velazquez 20-1

2 Quest Zito Castellano 12-1

3 Like a Hero Greely Pincay 8-1

4 Repent McPeek Prado 6-1

5 Medaglia d'Oro Frankel Bailey 2-5

6 Gold Dollar Lukas Chavez 20-1

7 Saint Marden Matz Smith 20-1

8 Nothing Flat Zito Santos 15-1

9 Puzzlement Jerkens Samyn 20-1