Travers 2021: Daily Racing Form free picks and analysis
Daily Racing Form New York handicapper Mike Beer’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes analysis:
No. 7 KING FURY was unlucky several times as a juvenile while running better than it looks, including in his two losses to No. 2 ESSENTIAL QUALITY. He came back with a much-improved effort when dominating the Lexington in his 3-year-old debut, after which he was forced to miss the Derby. He got shuffled back and finished gamely in the Ohio Derby when last on dirt and was wide all the way when prepping on the grass last time. He has to improve, but has seemingly been headed that way all year.
Essential Quality is strictly the horse to beat as he looks to keep his hold on the top of the division following his underrated Jim Dandy win last time when carrying all the ground; tactical colt will never blow you away, but his Belmont was the best performance by any member of this crop so far and showed that he can run a faster race if required.
No. 4 DYNAMIC ONE was underrated heading into the Wood Memorial back in April and he probably ran the best race that day, despite getting nailed on the wire. He had a tough trip in the Derby in an effort that is best overlooked. He is coming to hand strongly now for trainer Todd Pletcher following his dominant Curlin Stakes win.
Mike Beer’s picks
No. 7 King Fury
No. 2 Essential Quality
No. 4 Dynamic One
Chuck Kuehhas’s picks
No. 2 Essential Quality
No. 7 King Fury
No. 6 Masqueparade
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Michael Hammersly’s picks
No. 2 Essential Quality
No. 4 Dynamic One
No. 1 Midnight Bourbon