Mage Goes Swiftly in Major Work for Travers

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage  is right on target for his date with the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 26.

The son of Good Magic   had his penultimate Travers work on Aug. 11, covering six furlongs in a swift 1:12.98 on the main track with exercise rider J. J. Delgado on board.

Trainer Gustavo Delgado and his assistant, son Gustavo Delgado Jr.,—no relation to J. J. Delgado—were happy with the performance, but maybe a bit surprised with how fast Mage went.

"I thought he went slower than that," commented the younger Delgado. 

"Very good," the elder Delgado said. "He looks very good."

This was Mage's second work at the Spa since arriving following a second-place finish in the Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 22. Last week, Mage worked five furlongs in 1:01.03.

The colt is owned by Ramiro Restrepo, OMGA Investments, Sterling Racing, and CMNWLTH. Unraced as a 2-year-old, he has two wins, two seconds, and a third in six career starts.

"He did it all within himself," said Restrepo, who was unable to see the work live but did view it on video. "He was consistent through every furlong and continued strongly."

Mage also finished third in the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Track and was second in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.  

This year, the colt has been to Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and now New York. That is a lot for a young horse to endure, but Mage has handled it well.

"The good ones have the mindset to take it all in," Restrepo said. "The light bulb is shining brighter and brighter. The horse has really taken to Saratoga and is feeling really good. It is awesome to see his development from being a 2-year-old to now. His attitude, his body ... he has gone from a boy to a man. You just pinch yourself for being part of the ride."

Mage will have one more work before the Travers. Delgado Jr. said it will most likely be on the morning of Aug. 18 on the main track.