Weekend turf warrior Aug 29

Obviously all eyes will be on the main track at the Spa (the "graveyard of champions") for the Travers, but prior to it there's the long $1MM Gr 1 Sword Dancer Invitational for a field of eight 3 yo and ups, over 1&1/2 miles on the inner turf course. Of course a tough race, with the main chances being to be #1,2,4,8. Not a lot of pace (probably #8 war dancer going forward) and I favor #4 Red Rifle to step up to Gr 1 level at the first attempt. The ML fav #2 Flintshire was 2nd to Main Sequence in the BC Turf Classic last Nov, so is obviously very capable, but will be a short price. The other 2 turf races today are the Gr 2 Ballston Spa for F&M R12 at Spa and the Violet for F&M at MTH. Result: 2-4-5. The video shows #2 flinthsire is saving ground on the inside, got the rails run at the turn and exploded away, the even money fav being just too classy for these in very fast time and a Beyer of 112. #4 Red Rifle followed #2 and did battle on for 2nd without threatening, paying $4.20. And here's the Travers with Keen Ice lowering American Pharoah's colors