WinStar Farm-bred Leading Change captured the prestigious Grade 1, $1.5 million Travers at Saratoga Race Course in his Grade 1 debut, while keeping an unbeaten record intact.
The 3-year-old son of Gun Runner entered the Travers undefeated in two starts, which came in a debut maiden score at Churchill Downs in June before winning the Grade 3 Indiana Derby the following month. Leading Change faced a loaded field that included Grade 1 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo, Grade 1 Preakness winner Napoleon Solo, and Grade 1 Arkansas Derby winner Renegade. In capturing the Travers, Leading Change became the second WinStar-bred to win the Travers after Colonel John in 2008.
Leading Change is trained by Eclipse Champion trainer Brad Cox and owned by Wathanan Racing. He was purchased for $800,000 by Case Clay Thoroughbred Management at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale, where he was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency. He is out of the fruitful Uncle Mo mare Starship Warpspeed, who also produced multiple Grade 1-winner Shedaresthedevil.
