Travers Hopefuls Tax and Endorsed Breeze at Saratoga

R.A. Hill Stable, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Hugh Lynch, and Corms Racing Stable's Tax breezed a half-mile in a bullet :47.33 Aug. 16 in preparation for the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the son of Arch broke off behind a workmate and was able to easily take command down the lane despite encountering some unexpected traffic.

"We tucked him in behind a horse and we got some other company in the middle of it, and he went to the rail and just went right on about his business. I was really happy," trainer Danny Gargan said. "Irad said he's getting stronger and bigger and faster. We're really happy with how he's doing. He seems to be blossoming at just the right time. He was bucking and squealing coming off the track. It was a big-time work. He worked in :47 (.33) and (galloped) out three-quarters in 1:12.4."

Last out in the July 27 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), Tax broke alertly but sat off the pace of Preakness Stakes (G1) winner War of Will before taking command late in the turn and holding off Tacitus, who endured a difficult trip after stumbling at the gate.

A similar trip may be in store in the 1 1/4-mile Travers.

"I've been training him to stalk horses," Gargan said. "That's the way we did it the other day. He broke in front and then took him back. He can be in front, but I prefer him to have a target."

Despite boasting a record of 3-2-1 from eight starts and earnings of $756,300, Tax is unlikely to go to post as the favorite in the Aug. 24 Midsummer Derby, and Gargan is fine with that.

"No one was talking about him going into the Jim Dandy, either," Gargan said. "I think a lot of people have a hard time thinking he's going to be a good horse because we claimed him. If he runs big in this race, he'll start getting credit. I just know at some point, if somebody is going to beat him, they'll have to pass him a hundred yards before the wire because he's going to be there."

Godolphin's Endorsed also breezed Friday morning over Saratoga's main track and is now targeting the Travers, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said.

Endorsed, a competitive second to Highest Honors in the July 26 Curlin Stakes on an off track at the Spa, went four furlongs in :48.33.

"He worked really well and has been doing great since the Curlin, and at this time (we) are pointing to the Travers as long as he jogs up well tomorrow," McLaughlin said.

The son of Medaglia d'Oro  out of graded stakes winner Dance Card has not contested the Travers distance of 1 1/4 miles, which his conditioner said will be a challenge for any of the field's contenders. 

"That was the first time going a mile and a furlong, and he came out of the race great and he's moved forward, so we're happy with it," McLaughlin said. "The distance is the distance. They all have to do it. But he's bred for it. He ran very well going nine furlongs, so we're happy with him."

McLaughlin said the recent defections of Game Winner and Maximum Security helped make his decision.

"We were looking at it strongly, but it helps to know that two of the favorites aren't running. We're doing very well and excited about the prospects," McLaughlin said.

Joel Rosario, who rode Endorsed in June, will have the return call. 

Stonestreet Stables' Dawn the Destroyer is also likely to make an appearance on Travers Day in the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina Stakes (G1), a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) in November at Santa Anita Park.

Dawn the Destroyer breezed four furlongs in :48.09 on the main track Friday, continuing a string of five strong works since she shipped up from Belmont in July.

"She worked this morning also, and now we're pointing that way," McLaughlin said. "It's tough to place her. Grade 1s are tough, but we're hoping to get a piece of it. She's doing very well."