The Personal Ensign

        Stakes action for Travers weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with the 54th running of the Grade 1 Personal Ensign. 1999 older female champion Beautiful Pleasure went to post as the favorite in her attempt to make a comeback to former glory. She led much of the race but when she went wide at the top of the stretch she opened the door for Pompeii, who shot to the lead and managed to hold off another late rally by Beautiful Pleasure

      Pompeii and Richard Migliore 

The Four Star Dave

Saturday's stakes action got off to an exciting start with Dr. Kashnikow passing long shot Tubrok in the final strides to capture the Grade 2 Four Star Dave. Dr. Kashnikow is owned by Erdenheim Farm, trained by John Kimmel, and was ridden to victory by John Velazquez.

Dr. Kashnikow passes Tubrok

The King's Bishop

City Zip has dominated sprint races at the Spa and his connections hoped his domination would continue in the seven furlong King's Bishop Stakes. West coast invader Squirtle Squirt was made the favorite by Saratoga bettors and did not disappoint as he led at every pole to gain a three and one quarter victory. The Marquetry colt is trained by the red hot Robert Frankel and was ridden to victory by Jerry Bailey.

Squirtle Squirt (right) led all the way

The  132nd Travers Stakes

This year's edition of the Travers will long be a memorable one for the record  60,486 fans in attendance. The entry of The Thoroughbred Corporation's  Preakness, Belmont Stakes, & Haskell winner Point Given provided the excitement. At 17 hands and 1250 pounds this handsome chestnut thoroughbred is a joy to see. Point Given draws record crowds whenever he runs.

Point Given in the Paddock

Point Given ran as well as he looked when the gates opened.  Free of Love set the early pace and E. Dubai took the lead on the second turn.  Point Given passed E. Dubai and drew clear to an easy three and one half length victory. His fourth  straight $1,000,000 Grade 1 victory.

Six days after the race it was announced that Point Given had suffered an injury and will be retired. His presence on track will be greatly missed.

    Point Given wins The Travers Stakes