Verrazano favored
Haskell Invitational winner Verrazano was made the favorite for Saturday’s $1 million Travers Stakes in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., over Kentucky Derby winner Orb and Belmont winner Palace Malice. A strong field of nine 3-year-olds was entered Wednesday for the 1 1/4-mile race. Verrazano, with John Velazquez aboard, is the 2-1 choice leaving from the No. 3 gate, with stablemate Palace Malice next at 5-2 with Mike Smith riding. Derby winner Orb is third at 4-1 with Joel Rosario aboard. Todd Pletcher trains the top two choices. Also entered are Golden Soul, Moreno, Romansh, Transparent, War Dancer and Will Take Charge. – AP