Making his debut in April at Aqueduct in a one-mile maiden special weight, Strategic Focus delivered a polished performance. Despite being drawn widest, he tracked the pace, launched his bid in the stretch, and prevailed late.

Stepping up to allowance company, this son of Gun Runner crossed the wire first, but was ultimately disqualified and placed second due to interference in the stretch.

He entered the restricted Curlin Stakes in July at Saratoga as the 3/5 favorite, but finished a disappointing third.

A win in the Travers would be the first for prolific trainer Chad Brown.