Horse Racing: Epicenter Tops Travers Stakes Betting Odds

Epicenter is all the rage with Travers Stakes betting odds for the Saratoga feature on Saturday.

The grade I contest features a hot field of eight, headlined by Epicenter and Cyberknife. However, Early Voting horse odds are attractive at 8-1 and he could upset the favorites in what should be a terrific contest.

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Favorite Works Well

Epicenter, who recently won the Jim Dandy Stakes, has trainer Steve Asmussen in high spirits.

Although the 3-year-old son of Not This Time narrowly missed winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, his performance in the lead-up to the Triple Crown events was outstanding, and his last-start win showed his potential.

Victories in the Louisiana Derby, Risen Star, and Jim Dandy keep the betting favorite in strong standing with Travers Stakes betting odds, and trainer Steve Asmussen is confident.

“Epicenter is doing extremely well now,” Asmussen told BloodHorse. “I’m very proud of the way he ran in the Jim Dandy. It’s the best he’s looked. I thought it showed a lot of maturities. He seems to understand horse racing a lot better.”

He deserves to be a favorite and he should be at the top of Travers Stakes selections.

New Kid on the Block

The new kid on the block is Artorius, who recently completed a winning double at Saratoga and Belmont, giving him previous winning experience on the tricky circuit.

Although he hasn’t yet faced much competition compared to the favorites, he won the Curlin Stakes in impressive fashion and appears to have some talent.

Juddmonte Farms is the owner of the Chad Brown-trained runner and having Juddmonte in the ownership is a bonus. They know how to pick out talented 3-year-old colts, so there is plenty of intrigue with Artorius.

His lack of experience counts against him, but there is enough support with Travers Stakes betting odds to suggest he could be right around the mark.

“We know it’s not easy to win the Travers off just a handful of races, but you put your trust in the trainer and when they see all the right signals, you try. It’s the Travers and that’s the kind of race you take a chance in,” Juddmonte manager Garrett O’Rourke said.

We wouldn’t leave him out and the latest horse racing news is that he’s working well.

Eyes on Cyberknife

There is no reason not to incorporate Cyberknife’s into Travers Stakes selections based on his Haskell Stakes win.

The son of Gun Runner responded well after finishing 18th in the Kentucky Derby by winning back-to-back races over horses like Howling Time, Taiba, and Jack Christopher.

In comparison to runners like Epicenter and Early Voting, his 3-year-old form might not be as strong, but he is developing and may eventually rank among the most improved age-group thoroughbreds this year.

There is good Travers Stakes betting odds movement for Cyberknife, who could close as the second favorite on race day.

“Cyberknife is doing well. He’s impressive every morning. Brad likes what he sees and we’re looking forward to the race,” owner Al Gold said. “His Ragozin speed figures have improved since the Arkansas Derby, so we’re excited about that.”

We would watch betting markets for any late moves as he’s good enough to upset Epicenter.