Smart Transitions Works Bullet for Travers

Arnold Zetcher’s Smart Transition (Smart Strike) worked five furlongs at Saratoga Sunday in a bullet :58.55 in preparation for the Aug. 29 GI Travers S.

“He worked really well,” trainer John Shirreffs said. “We were hoping he’d work a little bit between a minute and 1:01, somewhere around there. He went a little faster than expected, but that’s all right. He’s been training well right along.”

Unraced at two, Smart Transition was fourth in the July 4 GIII Dwyer S. and is coming off a 4 3/4-length victory in the July 31 Curlin S.

“You never know exactly where a horse is going to go, but he’s been a horse that’s been very impressive since his 2-year-old year,” Shirreffs said. “He stood out among the 2-year-olds that we had. In some of his races he was very unfortunate; he didn’t get the ride or the trip he needed. In the Curlin, he got the perfect trip. It couldn’t have gone any better for him and he showed what he was capable of. If we get another good trip, I think he should run very well.”

Sherriffs admitted the presence of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah would make Smart Transition’s task in the Travers even more difficult.

“If American Pharoah [runs], we’re going to have to step up quite a bit,” Shirreffs said. “I think it’s good. It’s good for racing. We’re feeling good about being in the Travers.”