The 156th running of the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers Stakes (G1) takes center stage Saturday at Saratoga, highlighting one of the most prestigious racing cards of the year. Five Grade 1 events — including three Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifiers — make this one of the deepest, most bettable days of the season. But who to pick?
Sovereignty Chasing History
Godolphin’s superstar Sovereignty comes in riding a three-race winning streak: the Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Jim Dandy (G2). The Hall of Fame duo of Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado will try to deliver Mott’s first Travers victory with a colt who’s already earned over $5 million and proven himself the clear leader of the 3-year-old division.
A Travers victory would put Sovereignty in elite company, joining Twenty Grand (1931), Shut Out (1942), and Thunder Gulch (1995) as winners of the Derby, Belmont, and Travers. Only Whirlaway has ever completed that triple along with the Preakness.
Key Rivals
- Magnitude (Steve Asmussen): The likely pacesetter, fresh off dominant front-running wins in the Risen Star (G2) and Iowa Derby.
- Strategic Focus (Chad Brown): Adds blinkers after a near-miss in the Curlin Stakes; lightly raced with upside.
- McAfee (Rick Dutrow Jr.): Consistent graded performer who could clunk up late for a piece.
- Bracket Buster (Victoria Oliver): Speedy longshot looking to stretch his talent to 1 1/4 miles.
Get the Betting Bible Edge
The Travers is just one piece of a loaded 14-race Saratoga card, featuring five Grade 1s and some of the most exciting betting opportunities of the summer. Want to know who we’re picking in the Travers and how to bet the entire card?
Grab the Racing Dudes Premium Picks and the Travers Betting Bible for detailed race-by-race analysis, exact wagering strategies, and multi-race plays designed to maximize your profits.
Travers Stakes 2025 Betting Bible
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