Ny Traffic has improved with every start since launching his 3-year-old campaign with an easy allowance win at Gulfstream Park more than seven months ago. And trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is hoping that Ny Traffic – the “other” New York-bred in the field along with heavy favorite Tiz the Law – will have one more forward move in him on Kentucky Derby Day.
The last stop on the road is within sight. After 44 points-scoring races over 11 months, those desirous of running at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5, and their rankings on the points list, are set.
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On Travers Day in 2010, Uncle Mo announced himself to the world, with a 14 1/4-length debut victory on the undercard at Saratoga. A decade later in the 2020 Runhappy Travers, his son Caracaro continued to give a good account of himself at Saratoga, running second to Kentucky Derby favorite Tiz the Law in the 151st renewal.
With some two weeks to go before the 146th Kentucky Derby, fewer than half of the expected starters in the Sept. 5 race are on the grounds at Churchill Downs as travel plans begin to solidify for the balance of the field.
The victorious Pneumatic, fourth in the Belmont in his prior start, has raced just five times and is not quite at the level of Tiz the Law at the moment, so his connections are taking the long view and pointing to the Preakness on Oct. 3.
After chasing some of the 3-year-old division's standouts in his two prior starts, Pneumatic found a spot to get the spotlight to himself on Saturday. The colt coasted to a 2 1/4-length victory in the $150,000 Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park, earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby should his connections desire.
Jockey Mike Smith was able to finally get back on Honor A. P. for a work at Del Mar on Saturday. Reunited, they looked so good.
Both Irad Ortiz Jr. and his brother Jose Ortiz will not be heading to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby week, according to their agents, electing to stay at Saratoga through the conclusion of the meet on Sept. 7.
Dr Post worked five furlongs in 1:01.34 on Friday morning over Saratoga's main track, after which trainer Todd Pletcher stopped just short of committing him to the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs.
