SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Street Sense was tested until the very end, holding off a determined Grasshopper and winning the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.
When Street Sense hit the top of the stretch, it appeared the Kentucky Derby winner was about to put away his six less-accomplished rivals. But Grasshopper would not give in, and the two dueled down the stretch before Street Sense prevailed by a half-length.
As the horses crossed the finish line, Street Sense jockey Calvin Borel held out his left hand to Grasshopper jockey Robby Albarado in congratulations on a top effort.
Street Sense, sent off as the overwhelming 1-4 favorite on a hot, steamy day at the Spa, covered the 1 miles in 2:02.69.
Trained by Carl Nafzger, Street Sense returned $2.70, $2.20 and $2.10. Grasshopper, trained by Neil Howard, paid $4.60 and $3.60. Helsinki, trained by Nick Zito, was third and paid $7.80.
Sightseeing was fourth, followed by C P West, Loose Leaf and For You Reppo.
With the victory, Street Sense's record stands at six wins, three seconds and two thirds in 11 career starts. The colt earned $600,000 and boosted his bankroll to more than $4 million for 83-year-old owner James Tafel.
Street Sense was the first Kentucky Derby winner to run in the Travers since Thunder Gulch swept the races in 1995, and became the 10th Derby winner to capture racing's Midsummer Derby.
The Travers win was the second for Nafzger and Tafel. They teamed to win the 2000 edition with Unshaded.
Saratoga, 9th Race - August 25, 2007
| $1,000,000 Travers S. (G1) | ||||
| Pgm | Horse | Win | Place | Show |
| 4 | Street Sense | 2.70 | 2.20 | 2.10 |
| 5 | Grasshopper | 4.60 | 3.80 | |
| 1 | Helsinki | 7.80 | ||
| $2 Exacta (4-5) Paid $13.00, $2 Trifecta (4-5-1) Paid $216.00 | ||||
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Source: ESPN.com
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