Summer Bird wins the Grade 1 Travers Stakes

I love the line by David Grening at the Daily Racing Form. He said “He is no longer the other Bird”, referring to Belmont and Travers Stakes winner Summer Bird. That is certainly true. The son of Birdstone sat somewhat close to the pace in this race and was an easy winner over Hold Me Back. Kent Desormaux said after the race that he was only galloping for most of the race and he could’ve gone past the leaders much sooner if he had wanted. This colt is for real.

I feared that the stretch in distance would be too much for Quality Road and unfortunately it was. The Florida Derby winner had too much ground to make up after not racing for so long. He stalked close to the pace and flattened while ending up third. The off track didn’t help his chances either.

I expect to see him come back in the Jockey Club Gold Cup where he will be a decent price and come with a peak effort. I’ve always been a huge fan of the son of Elusive Quality, but just couldn’t take him with all the question marks here. However, I can already tell you I will have a bundle on him regardless of where he ends up next.

My top pick was Kensei. He stalked close to the leader but came up empty when jockey Edgar Prado asked him the question. I’m thinking he didn’t like the track. It will be interesting to see how he does in his next race. I wonder where he will show up. Perhaps in the Jockey Club Gold Cup?

I learn something new everyday. Summer Bird is the 30th horse to win the Travers and also win the Belmont Stakes. I must admit that I was ignorant to this trend, but I will definitely be keeping it mind next year. I was very satisfied with this years race, and I am already looking forward to watching Rachel Alexandra next week.

What are your thoughts? Send me a tweet via Twitter @gradedstakes, or leave a comment below!