Horse Racing News by David Grening

Haskell Invitational runner-up Trappe Shot was entered in Saturday's $1 million Travers Stakes, drew post 2, and was installed as the 4-1 second choice on the morning line behind Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm.

The road warrior did it again. And now Blind Luck is in the driver's seat in the 3-year-old filly division.

Trainer Graham Motion believes Check the Label continues to improve. If that trend continues, Check the Label's five opponents in Sunday's Grade 2, $150,000 Lake Placid Stakes at Saratoga could be in serious trouble.

Ice Box has shown enough in his last two workouts to convince his trainer, Nick Zito, to give the Kentucky Derby runner-up another shot at the big-time in next Saturday's $1 million Travers Stakes.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer compares his filly, Blind Luck, to a former heavyweight champion boxer.

Kantharos maintained his reputation as the best 2-year-old on the East Coast with a relatively easy 7 1/4-length victory in Monday's Grade 2, $150,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga.

When it comes to readiness for the Travers, Tony Dutrow believes A Little Warm is already there, Todd Pletcher says Super Saver is getting there, and Kiaran McLaughlin doesn't know yet if Trappe Shot is going there at all.

Dual Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti breezed a strong five furlongs in 59.43 seconds Thursday morning over Saratoga's Oklahoma turf course, his final move before he seeks a second straight victory in the Arlington Million on Aug. 21 in Chicago.

Grand Couturier's participation in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational has become an annual rite of summer.

A win over the course, a versatile running style, and a cutback in distance could all conspire to give Interactif a slight edge in Friday's contentious Grade 2, $150,000 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga.