The Travers didn't have much competition for Sovereignty.
Who won an excellent race to give trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado their first win in the race. Just a shame there were no more than the 5 horses competing. For the record Bracket Buster was the second placer.
Earlier we started off with the Gr 2 Lake Placid and the two obvious picks finished in that order although not quite as expected as May Day Ready took the honours and Play With Fire the bridesmaid in the 1600m for 3yo fillies.
Thorpedo Anna got there – only just but she did it – in the Personal Ensign which was a thrilling head-bobber finish with Dorth Vader coming off second best. She's now won over US$ 5 million in prize money but importantly she is loved by her connections and the McPeek stable staff. Third home was our other tip Leslie's Rose.
The H Allen Jenkins Memorial saw Patch Adams get a break as they turned into the straight and charge through to run down Captain Cook 20/1 in the closing stages with Barnes in the mix taking third. Verifire was never in the race – may be a problem there.
The Ballerina went to Hope Road who emulated her dam Marley's Freedom who won this in 2018. Scylla the favourite was second and there wasn't that much in it, with Majestic Oops third.
The Forego went to the favourite Book'em Danno who has been enjoying an excellent season but connections are not all that enthusiastic about travelling west for the Breeders' Cup although they are looking at their options. Crazy Mason was second at 14/1 and our roughie Scotland third on 12/1.
Then it was time for the Travers and the royal salute for Sovereignty. He's had a wonderful year to date and will be interesting to see what happens next.
