SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Bob Baffert is back on the East Coast, convinced his 3-year-old colt Coil can beat the Preakness and Belmont Stakes winners again in the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.
Last time the California-based trainer brought Coil cross-country, the striking chestnut won the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park by a neck over Preakness winner Shackleford, with Belmont winner Ruler On Ice third.
Coil will attempt to become the first horse to win the Haskell and Travers since his sire, Point Given, did it in 2001.
Stay Thirsty is the slight 5-2 favorite in the field of 10, with Coil the 3-1 second choice. Shackleford is the 9-2 third choice, with Ruler On Ice next at 6-1.
