Leading Change stole the show in the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1), rolling past Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo in the stretch, with Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Golden Tempo coming up short, and posted a surprise victory on Saturday at Saratoga.
Sent off at 10-1 and making just the third start of his career, Leading Change raced up front with Napoleon Solo through fractions of 23.60 for the first quarter mile, 47.40 for a half-mile and 1:12.60 through three-quarters of a mile.
Of course, Golden Tempo and Renegade were far back in the field of 10, but Renegade never really fired under jockey Tyler Gaffalione (subbing for the injured Irad Ortiz, Jr.) and the Derby and Belmont winner made a strong move between horses in the stretch but was unable to come through after a 12-week layoff.
Jose Ortiz, having one of the best years of career, said he likely should have made his move outside rather than inside.
But it was Manny Franco, trying to close in on Ortiz for the Saratoga riding title, who guided Leading Change to the victory. The winner returned $22.76 on a $2 win bet. Winning time for the 1 ¼-miles was 2:02.98.
The Travers was the third matchup between Golden Tempo and Renegade, who finished a close second in the Derby and ran third in the Belmont.
Leading Charge, a son of top sire Gun Runner, now moves forward and will likely run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 31, where Golden Tempo and Renegade, as well as champions Sovereignty and Forever Young, will be waiting.
Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux, missed 10 days of training with a slight illness and missed the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at the Spa on Aug. 1. But DeVaux said the colt was in top shape and ready to go. He came charging home in the stretch but by that time Leading Change was in full stride to take over the lead for the narrow victory.
“By the three-eighths pole, he jumped into the bridle, and I thought, ‘Oh boy. OK,’’’ said Franco. “Once he hit the outside he leveled out. He was game.”
Cox said he was convinced Leading Change deserved a shot despite his inexperience.
“He showed himself well working against (two good older horses,’’ said Cox. “He showed up today. Very good horse. Talented horse. Manny Franco? Great ride. This is like icing on the cake.”
-- Hymm ($4.70) put in a strong stretch run after racing just outside pace-setter Tip Top Thomas and won the $500,000 Forego Stakes (G1), earning an all-fees paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
-- Fully Subscribed ($3.86) won the $500,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) by 9 ¾ lengths and earned a fees-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) and hopefully a showdown with top filly Nitrogen.
-- Englishman ($2.82) proved his status as the top 3-year-old sprinter with a 3 ¾-length victory over Deep Flame in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1).
-- Naomis ($4.54) edged Ultimate Love with a last-to-first run and won the $400,000 Lake Placid Stakes (G2) by a half-length.
-- Ways and Means ($4.70) put away the opposition with an impressive stretch run and won the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes (G1) by 5 ½ lengths, earning a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).
Richard Rosenblatt is an award-winning journalist and former Associated Press Horse Racing Editor. Currently, he serves as the news editor at US Racing, overseeing exclusive content from contributors worldwide.
