Mendelssohn, Seahenge Set for Travers Stakes

There is a filly and a champion already among the expected contenders for the Aug. 25 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1). On Aug. 17, it was confirmed that Saratoga Race Course's signature race will have an international flare to it as well.

European champion trainer Aidan O'Brien is expected to be represented by the Coolmore duo of Mendelssohn and Seahenge in the 1 1/4-mile test, the New York Racing Associated announced. The pair are expected to arrive at Saratoga Aug. 21.

The two sons of Scat Daddy join a Travers field that is also expected to include the likes of reigning juvenile male champion Good Magic, graded stakes-winning filly Wonder Gadot, and grade 1 winner Catholic Boy. Bravazo, Gronkowski, Hofburg, King Zachary, Meistermind, Tenfold, Trigger Warning, and Vino Rosso are also among the probables.

A half brother to champion Beholder and grade 1 winner and sire Into Mischief , Mendelssohn was a dominant 18 1/2-length winner of the UAE Derby Sponsored By Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) in March before easing to a last-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). The bay colt most recently finished third in the Dwyer Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park July 7.

Seahenge, fifth in the UAE Derby Sponsored By Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2), made his U.S. debut with a seventh-place finish in the Pat Day Mile Stakes presented by LG and E and KU (G3) and exits a fifth-place run in the Dwyer.