Thunder Rumble proved Saturday that his victory in the Jim Dandy three weeks ago was no fluke by becoming the first New York-bred in 125 years to win the Travers at Saratoga.
In joining Ruthless (1867) as the only New York-bred to win the prestigious stakes for 3-year-olds, Thunder Rumble exploded through the stretch and won by 4 1/2 lengths in 2 minutes 4/5 seconds for 1 1/4 miles, equaling the race`s third-fastest time.
”I don`t tell him he`s a New York-bred,” winning trainer Richie O`Connell said. ”I thought I was going to win. But now I`m impressed. This was an awesome performance.”
Thunder Rumble, ridden by Herb McCauley, beat Devil His Due and earned $600,000 from a purse of $1 million. He paid $17.20, $7.80 and $5.40.
Devil His Due, ridden by Eddie Maple, who was seeking a third Travers victory, paid $6.20 and $4.80 and finished 4 1/2 lengths in front of Dance Floor, ridden by Chris Antley.
The victory for Thunder Rumble was his fifth in seven starts this year and his fifth in six starts on the dirt.
”I was very confident starting in the paddock,” McCauley said. ”During the race, I had my eye on Alydeed and Furiously. They were the main competition.”
Alydeed, the 8-5 favorite, finished eighth and Furiously, sent off at 6-1, finished sixth.
