Paynter ready to pull off a Haskell-Travers double for trainer Bob Baffert
Paynter ran his heart-out to win the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational, giving Hall of Fame trainer, Bob Baffert his sixth victory in Monmouth Park feature race on 29th July, 2012.
Now, the son of Awesome Again might try his luck in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga on 25th August, 2012, where he will be joined by his stable-mate, Liaison, to run over the 1 ¼ mile track at The Spa.
Baffert is excited about the possibility of running Paynter in the Travers Stakes, since he might become the first horse in eleven years to manage the Haskell-Travers double.
Last time, it was Baffert’s trainee, Point Given, who received this honour, with an overall career record of 9-3-0 in 13 starts.
The handler told the press that, he had faith in Paynter and he has it in him to win the Travers, he said:
“The plan is to run in the Travers,” Baffert remarked. “He’s a horse that can handle it. He’s tough, he’s strong, he can handle what you throw at him.”
The Kentucky bred runner put up a great fight in the Haskell, as he completed the 1 1/8 mile distance in 1 minute and 48.87 seconds where he defeated the Jerry Hollendorfer trained, Nonios, while Stealcase finished third.
Things did not go too well for the Todd Pletcher trained, Gemologist, who finished last. The trainer later said he had a lung infection, and the colt will be on antibiotics.
Every year, about eight or nine runners participate in the Travers Stakes, and the field is shaping well this time around. It will be a real battle for domination and with so many talented runners vying for the big Saratoga win it is hard to predict
a winner.
Paynter and Liaison will be joined by Alpha and Neck’n Neck, who finished first and second in the Jim Dandy Stakes on 28th July, 2012.
The Mike Maker trained, Hansen, will also compete in Travers Stakes. For now, the son of Tapit will be aiming to take home the money in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby at the Mountaineer Racecourse on 4th August, 2012.
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