Underdog Arcangelo Shines in Travers Stakes, Defying Skeptics
In a surprising turn of events, 3-year-old thoroughbred Arcangelo emerged victorious in the 154th running of the Travers Stakes, defying skeptics and proving his mettle on the racetrack. Trainer Jena Antonucci chose to ignore the naysayers and let her horse do the talking. And talk he did, as Arcangelo delivered a decisive victory in Saratoga Race Course’s prestigious mid-summer derby, following his win in the Belmont Stakes back in June.
The Travers Stakes, with a purse of $1.25 million, attracted a star-studded field of three-year-olds, including the likes of Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Preakness victor National Treasure. However, it was Arcangelo who took center stage, despite not being the favorite. With odds of 5-2, he closely followed Todd Pletcher’s Forte, who led the odds board at 8-5 after winning the Jim Dandy Stakes earlier in the meet.
As the race unfolded, the seven-horse field raced five-wide into the home stretch. But Arcangelo found an extra gear, surging ahead and securing a convincing three-length lead by the 1/8th pole. Two of the Triple Crown race winners, Mage and National Treasure, fell behind, leaving only Disarm as the sole contender in striking distance. However, the gap was insurmountable, and jockey Javier Castellano guided Arcangelo to a brilliant victory, giving trainer Jena Antonucci her second win in a Triple Crown race and making her the second female trainer to reach the winner’s circle in the Travers.
For Antonucci, the win had added significance, as it served as motivation to prove the skeptics wrong. Thanks to the naysayers for motivating me a little bit more; not that we need a little bit more motivation, she said. But we will stay focused on what works for this horse.
Jockey Castellano also had cause for celebration, as his record-extending seventh victory in the Travers marked a significant milestone in his career. Reflecting on his achievements, he expressed gratitude for the support he received and the opportunity to ride such remarkable horses. A lot of people gave me help to get it done. It’s hard. That’s why I like to enjoy those beautiful moments when you win those types of races (with) those beautiful horses, he shared.
In addition to the Travers Stakes, the day also featured four other grade one stakes races. In the Forego Stakes, a race that carried the theme of redemption, Elite Power and Gunite, the two favorites, finished first and second, respectively. Gunite, trained by Steve Asmussen, demonstrated his prowess by fending off Elite Power in a thrilling finish.
Asmussen’s success continued in the Ballerina Handicap, where his 4-year-old filly Echo Zulu prevailed as the heavy favorite. Having previously won the grade two Honorable Miss Handicap, Echo Zulu maintained her winning form and secured Asmussen’s second grade one victory of the day.
The Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes, with a purse of $750,000, provided an open field of six horses. Ultimately, it was Bolshoi Ballet, ridden by Aidan O’Brien, who emerged as the victor, showcasing his talent after a nine-start winless streak.
While the day showcased the triumphs of these remarkable horses and their connections, there was also a somber moment in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes, when New York Thunder tragically collapsed on the track and had to be euthanized. The incident mirrored the unfortunate fate of Maple Leaf Mel in the Test Stakes just three weeks prior.
Despite this heartbreaking moment, the Travers Stakes and the accompanying races offered a display of skill, determination, and the bonds between horses, trainers, jockeys, and their teams. It was a day that celebrated the spirit of horseracing and provided thrilling performances that will not be forgotten.
