Golden Tempo Favored for $1.25M Travers Stakes Rematch at Saratoga

The 157th running of the Travers Stakes is set for Saturday evening at Saratoga Race Course, featuring a high-profile rematch between Triple Crown winners. The Grade 1 race offers a purse of $1.25 million and highlights a 14-race card with a scheduled post time of 6:35 p.m.

Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux, enters as the morning-line favorite after securing victories in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Despite missing a planned prep race in the Jim Dandy due to an illness in June, the colt is poised to attempt a sweep of the Triple Crown’s shifting marquee events. He will break from the No. 9 post position in the 10-horse field and is once again ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz.

Standing in Golden Tempo’s path is Renegade, the second choice on the morning line. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Renegade finished third in the Belmont but rebounded with a victory in the Jim Dandy on Aug. 1. Historical trends favor Renegade’s connection; Pletcher has won the Travers three times previously, and each of those winners came off a Jim Dandy victory. Co-owner Mike Repole is also seeking his third Travers win, having previously claimed the title with Stay Thirsty in 2011 and Fierceness in 2024.

The event provides a significant engagement opportunity for the broader racing and wagering ecosystem. Churchill Downs Incorporated, a major entity in the gambling and entertainment sector, operates various racing venues and wagering platforms. As of the latest market check, CHDN is trading at $89.9, up 3.39% from the previous close, with a market capitalization exceeding $6.5 billion.

While four of the last five Belmont winners to contest the Travers have emerged victorious, the race has historically been more challenging for Kentucky Derby winners. Golden Tempo aims to replicate the feat achieved last year by Sovereignty.

What to watch

• Post time for the Travers Stakes is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET on Saturday.
• Investors may monitor handle numbers from the event as an indicator of consumer spending strength in the gaming sector.
• Renegade seeks to extend the trend of Jim Dandy winners capturing the Travers.

Source: original release