Peter Pan winner Country Grammer headed to Travers

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – As a native of nearby Mechanicville, trainer Chad Brown has made no secret of his desire to win the Travers Stakes, the signature event of the Saratoga meet.

So far, Brown is winless in six tries at the Travers with nine horses. It looks like he’ll have another shot at it this year with Country Grammer, who won Thursday’s Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes by a neck over Caracaro.

Brown knows his horse has to improve to be able to contend with the top of the division, which includes Tiz the Law, the three-time Grade 1 winner who is also pointing to the Travers.

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“There are some really good, talented horses out there,” Brown said. “This horse is still on his way up. He needs to get faster and better, there’s no doubt. We’re proud of the effort yesterday and appreciative of the win. I think with this horse, the longer the better. He’ll certainly have no problem with the mile and a quarter, it just gets to where if he’s going to be good enough. I do like the Travers for him over this track.”

Country Grammer, a son of Tonalist owned by Paul Pompa Jr., earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure for the Peter Pan victory.

Country Grammer also earned 50 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Brown said he will focus on the Travers before worrying about the Derby.