149th Travers Stakes: Good Magic, “Good Enough”

By Rick Francis —-

Race 11) 149th Grade 1 Travers Stakes 3yo 1&1/4 Miles Post Time 5:44 EDT

Good Magic (9), Brown/Ortiz, J; Curlin colt finally found his stride last out drawing clear of six rivals in the G1 Haskell. 2017’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion has battled throughout his sophomore campaign, and if not for racing’s 13th Triple Crown champion (Justify) being in the same class, this strapping chestnut would have been threat for that honor.

Tenfold (10), Asmussen/Santana; game in winning the G2 Jim Dandy, though he faced only four. A previous win over the course at this level is a plus.

Vino Rosso (5), Pletcher/Velazquez; throw out his try in the Kentucky Derby and you’ve got a major player, and that’s what I’m doing. Good enough for the win, maybe; exotics, definitely.

Wonder Gadot (2), Casse/Ortiz, I; Medaglia d’Oro filly maybe the hottest of this bunch, as she’s finished in the money in all eight of her 2018 starts, winning her last two. Distance will not be an issue, and if allowed to settle early, will threaten for part of this late.

Selections: 9, 10, 5, 2

Cover Photo: Good Magic; Eclipsesportswire/Breeders’Cup Photo