Empire doubt for Travers

Empire Maker, winner of the Belmont Stakes, is unlikely to run in the Grade One Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, according to trainer Bobby Frankel.

The three-year-old colt has had an occasional cough since he arrived at Saratoga late last month but Frankel’s concerns have been heightened after Empire Maker appeared a little lacklustre and did not eat up yesterday afternoon.