Travers Stakes weekend at Saratoga Race Course delivered thrilling races and standout performances, with Domestic Product stealing the show in the $500,000 Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes. The highly anticipated race saw Domestic Product, ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Chad Brown, deliver a career-best performance to out-finish Prince of Monaco and Book’em Danno. Racing off a hot pace set by World Record, Domestic Product made his move turning for home and battled his way to victory in a neck-and-neck finish with Prince of Monaco. The colt stopped the timer in 1:21.71 for seven furlongs on a fast track, paying $11.00 to win. Book’em Danno and Timberlake completed the trifecta, while World Record faded to sixth place.
In another exciting race on Travers Stakes Day, up-and-coming sprinter Mullikin continued his winning streak with a gate-to-wire victory in the $500,000 Grade 1 Forego Stakes. Under the guidance of jockey Flavien Prat, Mullikin showcased his speed and talent, covering seven furlongs in 1:21.75 on a fast track. Trainer Rudy Brisset celebrated his first Grade 1 win with the 4-year-old son of Violence, who improved his record to a perfect 4-for-4 in 2024. Gun Pilot finished second, with Angkor and Cagliostro rounding out the top four in the race.
The $500,000 Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap saw Society emerge victorious, tracking pace setter Munnys Gold before taking over at the quarter pole and winning by 2 1/2 lengths. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Society secured a spot in the PNC Bank Breeders‘ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with her win. Scylla finished second, while favored Vahva had to settle for third after a late fade. Society’s time for seven furlongs on a fast track was 1:22.00, and she paid $9.40 to win.
In a stunning upset, Far Bridge claimed victory in the $750,000 Grade 1 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes, defeating the heavily backed Godolphin pair of Measured Time and Silver Knott. Under the expert guidance of Joel Rosario and trained by Christophe Clement, Far Bridge led wire-to-wire and held off a late charge from Measured Time to secure the win. With a final time of 2:29.51 for 1 1/2 miles on firm turf, Far Bridge paid $18.40 to win. The victory in the Sword Dancer earned Far Bridge an automatic berth into the Longines Breeders‘ Cup Turf at Del Mar.
Overall, Travers Stakes weekend at Saratoga Race Course showcased thrilling races, standout performances, and unexpected upsets, leaving racing fans eagerly anticipating the next round of top-tier competition.