RACE 4: IN A HURRY (#6)

Justin Mustari, a 26-year-old Illinois resident, became the youngest winner ever of the National Horseplayers Championship when he tabbed a 20-1 shot late in the contest on Sunday to take home the $725,000 first prize.

Mustari had the best three-day tally among 563 entries in the NHC, an annual event held in Las Vegas that was postponed from February to last weekend due to the coronavirus pandemic. He finished the contest with a bankroll of $370.80, besting Jose Arias, the 2014 NHC winner, who had $347.20.

Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 5:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Daily Racing Form New York handicapper Mike Beer’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes analysis:

RACE 3: BREAKING THE RULES (#2)

If you’re happy with sneaking into a trifecta or superfecta, then you did OK with our Pix last week, but we were distinctly unamused.

Saratoga | Race 8 | Post Time 5:03 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

The headliner on the Travers Day card at Saratoga brings its own parcel of intrigue. Essential Quality has run exactly one truly impressive race all year, the Belmont. Midnight Bourbon, who could control the pace from the rail, tempted, but Essential Quality does just as much as is required and probably just wins again.

Harvey’s Lil Goil or Bonny South to upset the Personal Ensign was the other thought that didn’t quite make the final cut; As Time Goes By and/or Swiss Skydiver could take it early to mighty Letruska, who got a soft trip last out.

Michael Hammersly provides his analysis, selections and suggested ticket structure for Saratoga's Travers Day Pick 6. 

Race 7: GAMINE (#1) is a beast around one turn and figures to wing it from the rail. If she’s to be upset LAKE AVENUE (#2) may have the best shot as she comes here with improving form.

Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 5:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up