Trainer Schultz eyes Travers or Pennsylvania Derby for Baby Vino after Haskell win

After edging Napoleon Solo in a thrilling Haskell Invitational finish, three‑year‑old Baby Vino is poised for a next step in the middle‑distance circuit. Trainer Chris Schultz told reporters the colt’s upcoming campaign will likely hinge on either the Travers Stakes or the Pennsylvania Derby, two Grade‑I events that serve as key prep races for the fall championship series.

Current status and recent performance

Baby Vino entered the Haskell as a relatively modestly priced contender but delivered a decisive stretch run to beat rival Napoleon Solo by a narrow margin. The victory marked his first Grade‑I win and vaulted him into the conversation for the season’s premier three‑year‑old contests. According to BloodHorse, the win “solidified Baby Vino’s reputation as a serious contender for the biggest races of the year.”

Trainer’s outlook: Travers or Pennsylvania Derby?

Schultz, who has guided the colt through a careful progression from maiden races to stakes competition, said the next decision will balance the horse’s stamina profile with the timing of the two races. In an interview cited by the Daily Racing Form, he explained that the Travers Stakes, run at Saratoga, offers a classic 1 ¼‑mile test that aligns with Baby Vino’s demonstrated closing speed. Conversely, the Pennsylvania Derby, held at Parx Racing, provides a slightly shorter distance and a different track configuration, which could suit the colt’s running style if the team wants to avoid the tight turns of Saratoga.

Why the choice matters

Both the Travers and the Pennsylvania Derby sit on the Road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and a win in either would catapult Baby Vino into the elite tier of older horses. The Travers, often dubbed the “Mid‑Summer Derby,” traditionally draws the best of the three‑year‑old crop and serves as a benchmark for Kentucky Derby‐derived talent. The Pennsylvania Derby, meanwhile, has become a springboard for horses looking to round out a year of Grade‑I victories without the intense media spotlight of Saratoga. Choosing one over the other could influence the colt’s schedule for the remainder of the year, including a potential Breeders’ Cup Classic run.

Analyst perspectives

BloodHorse analysts highlighted the Travers as a “classic test of stamina,” noting that many past winners have gone on to dominate the fall championship series. Yahoo Sports echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a strong showing at Saratoga would solidify Baby Vino’s standing among the nation’s top three‑year‑olds. However, the same outlet also pointed out that the Pennsylvania Derby’s slightly shorter distance could better accommodate the colt’s “late‑run” style, reducing the risk of a tiring final turn.

Comparative performance against Napoleon Solo

The Haskell finish, where Baby Vino edged Napoleon Solo, provides a useful data point for the upcoming decision. Napoleon Solo, a horse with a proven record at longer distances, is expected to contest both the Travers and the Pennsylvania Derby. The narrow margin of victory suggests that Baby Vino can match, if not exceed, the pace of his primary rival in a high‑stakes setting. BloodHorse’s race recap described the duel as “a showcase of tactical speed and endurance,” underscoring the importance of selecting a venue that maximizes Baby Vino’s strengths.

Potential challenges

Both target races feature deep fields that could include Kentucky Derby participants still looking for a resurgence. The Travers traditionally attracts horses such as the Derby runner‑up and other late‑developing talent, while the Pennsylvania Derby often draws a mix of seasoned older horses and late‑blooming three‑year‑olds. Schultz acknowledged that “the competition will be fierce,” and that the team will monitor workout times closely in the weeks leading up to the chosen event.

Training adjustments and readiness

In the weeks following the Haskell, Baby Vino’s training regimen has emphasized longer gallops and speed work to sharpen his turn of foot. According to the Daily Racing Form, Schultz’s stable has been “fine‑tuning the colt’s pace judgment,” a skill that could prove decisive in either the Saratoga or Parx settings. The trainer also noted that the horse’s recent veterinary checks are “clean,” allowing the team flexibility to target the race that best fits his development curve.

Owner and jockey input

While Schultz is the primary decision‑maker, owners and jockeys have weighed in on the options. The colt’s regular rider, who has partnered with Baby Vino since his breakout win, expressed confidence in the horse’s ability to handle the faster early fractions typical of the Travers. Meanwhile, ownership representatives, speaking to BloodHorse, emphasized the importance of “maximizing earnings and prestige” while preserving the horse’s long‑term health.

What the schedule looks like

The Travers Stakes is slated for late August, followed by the Pennsylvania Derby in early September. Both dates fall within a window that allows a brief recovery period after the Haskell, which took place in early August. Schultz indicated that the team will make a final call within the next two weeks, after reviewing the colt’s next workout and assessing the competitive landscape.

What’s next for Baby Vino

Regardless of the final decision, Baby Vino’s trajectory points toward a possible Breeders’ Cup Classic appearance in November. A victory in either the Travers or the Pennsylvania Derby would not only add a second Grade‑I win to his résumé but also position him as a leading candidate for the season‑ending showdown. The trainer’s next public update is expected after the upcoming workout session, at which point the definitive race target will be announced.