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Orb Prepares for Travers Stakes

Trixie Hammer
On August 6, 2013

Orb and jockey Joel Rosario shown here crossing the finish line first in the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The dynamic duo will team up again for the Travers Stakes on August 24th at Saratoga Race Course.

Orb Prepares for Travers Stakes: After a tiring run down the Triple Crown trail, fan-favorite Kentucky Derby winner Orb will return to the track on August 24th for the 144th running of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. The well-rested colt is expected to be a favorite alongside Palace Malice in the 2013 1 1/4 mile GI $1 million Travers Stakes. Three-year-old Orb is said to be preparing for the Travers with effortless lightening fast workouts and a little TLC.

America’s Best Racing Brand Ambassador Chip McGaughey is confident the Shug McGaughey trained colt has what it takes to be a leading contender in the 2013 Travers Stakes stating, “Orb, who is at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, has been doing great. He has resumed training and has put in a sharp five-furlong 1:00.00 work the other day.”

Chip McGaughey speculates Orb will make his way to New York very soon saying, “Although still tentative, I believe that the plan is for him to return to Saratoga sometime later this week to begin his training at Saratoga for the Travers.”

Like any superstar athlete should, Orb has spent the last few weeks living the good life. Chip McGaughey explained, “I do know he has been pampered very well down at Fair Hill and is looking and feeling great!” Chip added, “I expect him to return to the track and stamp his name as a serious contender in this year’s Travers.”

Orb will face the 2013 Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice in the Travers Stakes who most recently won the Jim Dandy Stakes on July 27th. Unfortunately, the winner of the second jewel of the Triple Crown, Preakness winner Oxbox, is recovering from an ankle injury acquired in the Haskell Invitational on July 28th and will not compete in the Travers Stakes.

Lady and The Track has been following Orb closely since the colt’s Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby win at Gulfstream Park. We would like to wish Stuart S. Janney and Phipps Stable, jockey Joel Rosario, trainer Claude “Shug” McGaughey, Chip McGaughey, and the magnificent Orb the best of luck in the 2013 Travers Stakes. Good Luck! Safe Run!

2013 Possible Travers Stakes Contenders
Java’s War
Orb
Palace Malice
Power Broker
Romansh
Verrazano
War Dancer
Will Take Charge