Essential Quality the early 4-5 choice in Travers

Aug 25, 2021 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Known historically as the 'Graveyard of Favorites,' Saratoga will be the
setting for Saturday's $1.25 million Travers (G1), in which once-beaten champion
Essential Quality has been made an overwhelming 4-5 early choice.

Rebounding from his lone setback in the Kentucky Derby (G1) with a triumphal
score in the Belmont S. (G1) in early June, Essential Quality resumed from his
summer racing break in last month's Jim Dandy (G2). Favored at 2-5, the gray
endured a wide trip, but gutted out the win by a half-length over returning
rival Keepmeinmind, who was followed by Ohio Derby (G3) winner
Masqueparade.

'He's sharper this race than going into the Jim Dandy. My plan all along was
to have him peak in this spot. Our goal since the Kentucky Derby was to have him
at his best Travers Day and from a mental and physical standpoint, I feel he's
right where we want him,' trainer Brad Cox said of Essential Quality.

Midnight Bourbon, who exited last month's Haskell (G1) largely
unscathed after nearly falling and unseating his rider in the stretch, has run
some top-quality races all season and strongly fits from a class perspective.
His early speed could also come in handy in a race that doesn't have a whole lot
of it.

King Fury, the Lexington (G3) winner who finished in between
Masqueparade and Keepmeinmind in the Ohio Derby, is back on his preferred
surface after finishing up the track in the Saratoga Derby (G1) on turf.

The field of seven is rounded out by Dynamic One and Miles D,
the one-two finishers in the restricted Curlin S. over 1 1/8 miles last month.

The Travers can be watched and wagered on at
TwinSpires.com.

DOWNLOAD: Meet the Contenders of the 2021 Travers Stakes