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Leading Change Upsets Travers and Forces Fall Plans for 3‑Year‑Olds

Trainer Brad Cox will send the lightly raced colt back to Churchill Downs while his team weighs whether to aim for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Overview

  • Leading Change won the 157th Travers Stakes at Saratoga, edging Preakness winner Napoleon Solo by a half-length with Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Golden Tempo third.
  • The Brad Cox‑trained colt had made only two prior starts before the Travers, making the victory a major jump in his development and prompting cautious planning by his connections.
  • Cox called Leading Change the most talented horse in his barn and said the horse will return to Churchill Downs as they decide between an immediate Breeders' Cup Classic start or a longer-term campaign.
  • Golden Tempo finished third and trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed plans to point him to the Breeders' Cup Classic, while five 'Win and You’re In' Breeders' Cup berths were settled across the weekend's major races.
  • Travers Day also showcased new ownership success and strong commercial demand as Three Brand Racing's Club Reign won the opening race and NYRA reported a $60.86 million wagering handle with 47,659 paid attendance.