Afleet Express holds off Fly Down to win Travers by a nose

Afleet Express wins Travers in photo finish

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Afleet Express held off a fast-closing Fly Down in a thrilling stretch run to win the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in a photo finish.

Afleet Express had the lead as the 11-horse field turned for home Saturday, but Fly Down unleased a furious challenge before falling a nose short at the wire.

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver finished out of the top three for his third straight defeat since winning the Run for the Roses on May 1.

First Dude finished third, with Afleet Again fourth in the 1 1/4-mile “Midsummer Derby.”

Afleet Express missed the Triple Crown races but won the Pegasus in June and was third in the Jim Dandy on July 31.