Travers Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Aug 23)
The summer highlight on the Saratoga schedule is set for this Saturday, as a high-quality field of five go to post for the G1 Travers Stakes. The race will offer clues for the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in the season, but will Sovereignty continue his dominance in the three-year-old division? Find the odds and our Travers Stakes picks here.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 6:14 PM ET
- Where: Saratoga, New York
- How to Watch: FOX
Travers Stakes Odds
Recent Winners of the Travers Stakes
| Year | Winning Horse |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Fierceness |
| 2023 | Arcangelo |
| 2022 | Epicenter |
| 2021 | Essential Quality |
| 2020 | Tiz The Law |
Race Preview
The 2025 Travers Stakes is set for an action-packed Saturday at Saratoga this weekend. This high-quality Grade One has been summer highlight of the track’s calendar throughout history, and it typically offers clues for the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in the year.
William Mott-trained Sovereignty will be the runner to beat, as the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner looks to make history at the Spa. The son of Into Mischief ticks plenty of the right boxes this weekend, having already won over the course and distance. He also has a tune-up run behind him after breezing clear to beat Baeza in the G2 Jim Dandy last month.
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However, shock results aren’t uncommon in the race, with the great American Pharaoh beaten back in 2015. Magnitude looks like the most interesting contender for the Steven Asmussen team. The three-year-old has been progressing through the grades in an eye-catching fashion, winning his last two by a combined 18 lengths. This is a step up, but well worth a chance.
Strategic Focus is also a fascinating runner for the Chad Brown yard. The three-year-old appeared to be crying out for a longer trip on his latest effort when beaten at a short price by Chancer McPatrick in the Curlin Stakes.
Travers Stakes Picks
No surprises for guessing who we are siding with this weekend, as Sovereignty looks incredibly challenging to bet against. The Derby and Belmont Stakes star has been the standout three-year-old this season, and he looks set to continue his dominance over a course and distance that he has already won at this year. Strategic Force could be staying on late in the day to take second.
Free Pick:
