Java's War sent to Barclay Tagg, Travers possible

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Blue Grass Stakes winner Java's War has been transferred to trainer Barlcay Tagg from Ken McPeek by owner Charles Fipke. The 3-year-old colt is a possible starter in the Travers Stakes on Saturday, Aug. 24.

"I'm not sure yet what we're going to do; he only came into my barn yesterday," said Tagg Thursday. "I'm going to fool around with him for a few days before I make any decision. The Travers is remotely possible. We'll just have to see, and of course, discuss anything with Mr. Fipke first."

Java's War was fourth in his last start in the Swaps at Hollywood Park on July 4. He was 13th in the Kentucky Derby. The colt has won three of nine career starts for $529,000.

In other Travers news, Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul had a five- furlong workout Thursday over Saratoga's Oklahoma training track. Owned by Charles Fipke and trained by Dallas Stewart, the chestnut colt covered the distance in 1:01 2/5.

"He worked this morning, and he worked great," Stewart said. "Did it easy, galloped out really good, was on his toes coming home. So, he seems pretty much ready. I'm happy with the way he cooled out and the way he's coming up to the race."

Golden Soul was seventh in the Haskell at Monmouth Park in his last start and ninth in the Belmont Stakes.

"I know he's good enough to win it if we have him ready," Stewart said. "You can't go in there half trained up. You've got to cowboy up and train this son of a gun, and the horse has to prove it to you. We have to be ready and make sure the horse is prepared in a way he's supposed to be prepared."