The 142nd running of the Travers Stakes is set for today at Saratoga Race Course, with a field of 10 set for the 5:45 p.m. ET post time. Stay Thirsty (5-2) is the current betting favorite in a star-studded field that includes Preakness winner Shackleford (9-2), Belmont winner Ruler On Ice (6-1) and Haskell winner Coil (3-1).
The race will be broadcast live on NBC with live coverage beginning at 5 p.m.
Hurricane Irene should not impact the Midsummer Derby, as storms related to the powerful hurricane are not expected to reach the historic upstate New York racetrack until the overnight hours. Thus, track conditions should be good.
An undercard race, The King's Bishop, will also get attention on Saturday. That is because Uncle Mo, considered to be a Kentucky Derby favorite earlier this year, will be making his return to racing after being felled by an illness before the Derby. That race has a post time of 5:12 p.m., and will also be shown live on NBC.
-- SB Nation's horse racing website, And Down The Stretch They Come, is calling for an upset in the Travers, something that would further muddy the Horse of the Year picture in the 3-year-old division.