SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini beat Haskell Invitational champ Bluegrass Cat down the stretch Saturday to win the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
The duel determined the 3-year-old champion for 2006.
Bernardini, ridden by Javier Castellano, took the lead entering the clubhouse turn in the 1 1/4 mile race. He was being pressed by Bluegrass Cat on the outside with High Cotton running third.
The top two runners edged away from the field entering the final turn. Coming off the turn for home Bluegrass Cat made a final move on the outside in an attempt to draw even with Bernardini.
Bernardini began to draw away from his rival and open up down the stretch. Bernardini hit the wire 7 1/2 lengths ahead of Bluegrass Cat with Dr. Pleasure third. Hesanoldsalt, High Cotton and Minister's Bid completed the order of finish.
