Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) winner Macho Again has recent history on his side for the Travers Stakes Presented by Shadwell Farm (G1) on August 23 at Saratoga Race Course, but the Macho Uno colt will likely have to face a pair of Grade 1 winners as well as a Canadian classic winner in the 1 1/4-mile race for three-year-olds.

The previous three Jim Dandy winners—Flower Alley (2005) Bernardini (2006), and Street Sense (‘07)—went on to win the Travers. As the field for this year’s Travers begins to take shape, the probable challengers to Macho Again include Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Colonel John, Canadian classic winner Harlem Rocker, and Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) winner Tale of Ekati.

Trainer Eoin Harty said Colonel John is in “top shape” approaching his first start since a third-place finish in the Swaps Stakes (G2) on July 12. The Tiznow colt finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

   Others considered probable for the Travers are Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Pyro; Swaps Stakes winner Tres Borrachos; stakes winner Mambo in Seattle, an impressive victor on the Jim Dandy undercard in the Henry Walton Stakes on July 27; and allowance winner Acai

According to the New York Racing Association, Amped, Cool Coal Man, Court Vision, You and I Forever, Tiz Now Tiz Then, and filly Music Note are questionable for the 139th edition of the Travers.