The highlight race of the Saratoga meeting is the $1 million Travers Stakes (G1), a 1 1/4 mile trip over the main track for 3-year-olds. A field of 10 contested the "Midsummer Derby" under cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 80's, with 43,050 fans in attendance. Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) winner Stay Thirsty was sent off as the 5-2 favorite over 3-1 second choice Coil, winner of the Haskell Invitational (G1) last out after finishing second in the Swaps (G2), and 7-2 third choice Shackleford, winner of the Preakness (G1) 3 starts back but coming to Saratoga off a close second in the Haskell (G1).
Jockey Jesus Castanon sent Shackleford to the lead on the clubhouse turn and he set fractions of 47.63, and 1:11.91 while being pressed by Stay Thirsty a length back and to his inside. On the far turn, Stay Thirsty passed the tiring Shackleford, taking the lead at the 1/4 pole through 1 mile in 1:36.74. Rattlesnake Bridge, 6th early, came out wide for the drive and rallied well but was left with too much ground to make up as Stay Thirsty cruised under the line 1 1/4 lengths in front in a time of 2:03.03 over the fast track. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to 33-1 J W Blue third.
