Travers Might Decide 3-Year-Old Champion

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Today’s $1-million Travers Stakes at Saratoga might produce the champion of the 3-year-old division.

There hasn’t been a division leader since Prairie Bayou was destroyed after being injured during the Belmont Stakes on June 5. The gelding had finished second in the Kentucky Derby and won the Preakness.

“I think the horse that wins has a big chance of becoming the division leader,” Scotty Schulhofer, trainer of Belmont Stakes winner Colonial Affair, said of the 1 1/4-mile Travers.

Colonial Affair was the 5-2 morning-line favorite Friday in the field of 11 3-year-olds, followed by Miner’s Mark, 3-1, and Kissin Kris, 7-2. Dwyer winner Cherokee Run was part of a 6-1 Frank Alexander-trained entry with Wallenda, and Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero was 8-1.

Completing the field are Southland-based Devoted Brass, El Bakan, Foxtrail, Silver Of Silver and Wild Gale.

Miner’s Mark, trained by Shug McGaughey, is the first foal from the undefeated mare Personal Ensign, by Mr. Prospector. Miner’s Mark won the Jim Dandy at Saratoga on Aug. 1 by a neck over Virginia Rapids, with Colonial Affair another 4 1/2 lengths back. Sea Hero was fourth.