2023 Travers Stakes Odds: Forte to Excel
The Field of 7 Run at Saratoga
Bookmakers have released 2023 Travers Stakes odds for one of the biggest races of the year.
It may have only attracted seven runners, but the latest horse racing news suggests it’s a red-hot and competitive betting field.
Forte is the current +150 favorite to win the Grade I Travers, but the likes of Mage are the biggest threats.
Forte Back to His Best
There were some concerns about the top-end ability of Belmont Stakes, but he fired back to win the Jim Dandy.
The 3-year-old star typically leads horse racing results, which was the case in the Jim Dandy when he defeated Saudi Crown and Angel of Empire.
It might have been a Grade II race, but the Todd Pletcher-trained runner was always going to headline the 2023 Travers Stakes odds.
Owner Mike Repole has targeted this race from the outset.
“This is his Derby,” Repole said. “I’m really excited about what he’s going to do here.
It’s not a deep field, but it’s a great field and a very special race. You have the three Kentucky Derby favorite, and who, by the way, finished second in the Belmont Stakes and won the Jim Dandy.”
Horse racing markets have Forte favored to win and he’s tough to bet against. However, it always pays to watch for any late betting moves. He takes a lot of public money, so if he’s a race-day drifter, that won’t be a good sign.
Arcangelo Making a Statement
There wasn’t much money for Arcangelo in the Belmont Stakes, but the son of Arrogate was too good for Forte and Tapit Trice in the run to the line.
His career didn’t get off to a good start after running second on debut at Gulfstream Park before finishing fourth in a moderate race.
However, after rising in distance, his results have improved significantly, and he’s now a genuine top-level runner.
Bookmakers respect his chances, putting him on the second line of 2023 Travers Stakes odds at +300. It’s a fair price, and he must be included in wagers.
Don’t Overlook Mage
Leaving out the Kentucky Derby winner has never been a good betting strategy for the Travers Stakes, so we’re not planning on it.
The 3-year-old son of Good Magic hasn’t done much wrong since winning at Churchill Downs in May, including a third placing in the Preakness Stakes and a second placing in the Haskell Stakes.
It’s tough to weigh up the form from the Haskell, but we’re happy to take his Kentucky Derby win as the best guide.
Facing a small field should help his cause. He’s a good strategic type, who can quicken when he needs to. Therefore, the +450 chance should be included in the selections.
Nest Headlines Personal Ensign Stakes
Another race on the day is the Personal Ensign Stakes, where 4-year-old filly Nest is all the rage with bookmakers.
The daughter of Curlin owns four wins from her last five starts, and her only defeat came when fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, which wasn’t run to suit.
We like the way she bounced back to win at Saratoga, and having winning form on this track helps. She is unbeaten in three starts at Saratoga, including the Coaching Club American Oaks and Shuvee Stakes.
She’s the -110 favorite to beat the likes of Clairiere and Idomatic with horse racing betting, and we wouldn’t bet against her.
For Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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