Renegade returned to the worktab and Pletcher builds excitement heading into the Travers

The winner of the Arkansas Derby and the Jim Dandy completed his first breeze since his latest victory and left his trainer thoroughly pleased. The primary objective will be the Travers Stakes (G1), set for August 29 at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York—Renegade continues to forge ahead without a hitch toward the $1,250,000 DraftKings Travers Stakes (G1)—the summer centerpiece for 3-year-olds set for August 29 over 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga.

The son of Into Mischief, campaigned by Repole Stable and Robert and Lawana Low, returned to the worktab this Friday for the first time since his impressive triumph in the August 1 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2). Official NYRA clockers caught him breezing four furlongs over the main track in 50s66/100.

Conditioned by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Renegade worked outside recent allowance winner Sassmaster(Curlin), leaving a thoroughly positive impression.

"I thought he was excellent. He was well in hand, showed plenty of enthusiasm going into the turn, and then picked up a nice rhythm. I liked it," explained Pletcher. "He works in company, starting head-and-head with his partner, and we aren't trying to simulate race conditions or anything like that. We just want to make sure he completes the drill properly, as he did today."

Renegade has established himself as one of the division's heavyweights this season thanks to a campaign anchored by two major victories. Back in March, he captured the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

He duplicated that top-level execution two weeks ago in the Jim Dandy, unleashing a explosive late charge from last to first to edge Commandment by half a length.

Beyond the victory itself, Pletcher was especially pleased with how Renegade exited that demanding effort. The colt has shown no signs of fatigue, and his sharp recovery has only fueled optimism ahead of the Travers.

"He’s shown great energy from day one. Since the Jim Dandy, he’s been very enthusiastic in his training and his appetite has been excellent, so we are extremely happy with him," Pletcher noted.

When asked directly whether he had noticed any signs of lingering fatigue following his latest start, Pletcher was clear: "Not at all. I’d say it’s a bit surprising and encouraging. I like how quickly he bounced back from the race, and that gives us confidence he can deliver his best effort again in four weeks."

The Travers now looms as the ultimate test for Renegade, who seeks to consolidate his standing over Saratoga's demanding 10-furlong distance.

Workmate Sassmaster (Curlin) is also enjoying a strong upward trajectory. Owned by Mark Breen, he remains unbeaten in two starts in 2026 and boasts two wins from three lifetime outings. After breaking his maiden over 1700 meters at Churchill Downs in June, he returned on August 1 to defeat older horses over nine furlongs at Saratoga.

A 96 Beyer Speed Figure in his latest win prompted Pletcher to nominate him for the Travers, though a showdown with Renegade appears unlikely for now. Primary options include the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) on September 19 at Parx Racing, or the $300,000 Bourbon Flight Stakes a week later at Churchill Downs.

"We nominated him to keep all our options open, but right now we are likely looking toward Churchill or Parx," clarified Pletcher.

Friday morning also featured action for another marquee member of the stable. Spendthrift Farm's Local Knowledge(Yaupon) covered four furlongs in 50s02/100 in a solo drill—his first breeze since capturing the Amsterdam Stakes(G2) on July 31.

"I was pleased. He does plenty on his own, which is why we chose to work him solo this time. I think we accomplished a solid piece of work," Pletcher remarked.

Local Knowledge targets the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1) over seven furlongs on the Traversundercard. "It’s the obvious next step. It won't be easy, but we'll give it a shot," added the trainer.

Finally, Pletcher provided an update on Repole Stable's Zany (American Pharoah). Nominated for next Saturday's Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, the filly is expected to pass on the race. Instead, the $1,000,000 Cotillion Stakes(G1) on September 19 at Parx stands out as her primary objective.

For now, the stable's focus centers squarely on Renegade. A G1 winner coming off a brilliant display in the Jim Dandy, the son of Into Mischief approaches the Travers in peak condition—and his first post-race breeze did nothing but amplify the anticipation.