The 156th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga is not only the mid-summer derby. It also is the centerpiece this week for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Racing analyst and TV host Andy Serling of New York Racing Association TV and Fox Sports is along to discuss the race, the Grade 1s on Saturday’s card and the Saratoga summer. He also will talk about the 3-year-old male division and how the Travers could go a long way toward determining the Eclipse Award.

Jockey Júnior Alvarado rides Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty in the Travers talks about the five-horse field this weekend and his strategy for the race.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch examines the Travers and has tips for other races on the Saratoga card.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park have their thoughts about the Travers as well as reaction to listener and reader feedback.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.