Against Distinguished Travers Field, a ‘Freak’ Wins by a Chasm

Arrogate won the Travers Stakes on Saturday. He was a big colt, hardheaded and not well behaved. Bob Baffert and Dana Barnes kept after him. They were able to get him ready for the Kentucky Derby preps. He finished 13 ½ lengths ahead of his stablemate American Freedom. The race was won by Gun Runner. It was run in a track-record time of 1:59.36.

Rafael Bejarano rode American Freedom instead of Arrogate. Bob Baffert sent a text to jockey Mike Smith after the Alabama Stakes. Smith won the Travers twice. Baddert won it with Point Given in 2001 and went 0 for 5 in subsequent years. Last year, American Pharoah was beaten by Keen Ice.   The horse ran his heart out. He was caught by a closer named Keen ice. The winner was Arro. It was a rare victory for a horse in the Midsummer Derby. There were bets on Arrol.