Mid Ocean Possible for Travers

Bermuda Limestone Thoroughbreds’ Mid Ocean (Mineshaft) is under consideration for the GI Travers S. Aug. 29, trainer George Weaver said Thursday. The bay gelding broke his maiden at sixth asking at Delaware Park July 14.

“Mid Ocean is doing well and coming off a couple of good races,” Weaver said. “We nominated to the Travers with the idea that we just might take a shot. Who knows where he stacks up. He’s got to jump up big time to be in the same zip code, but we wanted to be in position to take a shot if that’s what it comes down to.”

The addition of Mid Ocean brings the number of horses possible for the Travers to 11, led by Triple Crown champion American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile). A decision on whether American Pharoah runs won’t come until after he works Sunday morning at Del Mar.

Should American Pharoah run, the purse for the Travers will increase from $1.25 million to $1.6 million. Prize money is paid out to the first eight finishers, with eighth place worth $25,000 or $45,000.

“We’re going to consider it either way, if Pharoah runs or not,” Weaver said. “It’s just like what we do with all these horses. We try to get an idea of how the race is going to shape up and make a decision of whether or not it’s the right thing to do with the horse at that time as you get closer.”

The conditioner continued, “The horse is doing well. He’s been running mid-80 Beyer figures and just a little bit more puts him on the map to get a check in there. I love American Pharoah. We’re definitely not thinking that we can beat him or be anywhere in the same zip code as him, but after you get past him and a couple of others, it’s not inconceivable that this horse could get a check in there.”

Off the board in his first two outings at Gulfstream earlier this season, Mid Ocean completed the trifecta when dropped to maiden claiming company in Hallandale Apr. 1 and was second next out there against similar rivals May 6. Facing older horses in his next two outings, the gelding was third at Monmouth Park July 4 before finally earning his diploma at Delaware last time.

“He’s always been kind of lazy and doesn’t put a lot into what he does,” Weaver said. “His last couple races have given us an indication that he’s kind of figuring it out. He’s the right type of horse [for the Travers]. He’ll be running at the end and he’ll like the distance. I told the owner, ‘Let’s nominate, at least, and see how things shape up as it comes up.’ It’s just something we’re going to consider.”

Also being considered for the 1 1/4-mile Travers are Frammento (Midshipman), Frosted (Tapit), Keen Ice (Curlin), King of New York (Street Boss), Madefromlucky (Lookin at Lucky), Smart Transition (Smart Strike), Tale of Verve (Tale of Ekati), Texas Red (Afleet Alex) and Upstart (Flatter).