Thunder Rumble Wins Travers; Alydeed Eighth

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Thunder Rumble, winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes here three weeks ago, became the first New York-bred in 125 years to win the Travers Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga.

In joining Ruthless, who did it in 1867, as the only New York-bred to win the stake for 3-year-olds, Thunder Rumble surged through the stretch and won by 4 1/2 lengths in 2:00 4/5 for 1 1/4 miles, equaling the third-fastest time in the race’s history.

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.

“I don’t tell him he’s a New York-bred,” winning trainer Richie O’Connell said.

Devil His Due, ridden by Eddie Maple, who was seeking a third Travers victory, paid $6.20 and $4.80 in finishing 4 1/2 lengths in front of Dance Floor. Ridden by Chris Antley, Dance Floor paid $6.80. Alydeed, the 8-5 favorite, finished eighth and Southland-based Bien Bien stumbled leaving the gate and finished last.

Thunder Rumble had been a Kentucky Derby candidate in the spring before illness forced him out of training.