SARATOGA SPRINGS -- There was something about Bernardini coming back to the winner's circle seal-slicked with sweat, something about a blanket of lush carnations and a solid gold trophy and the honors of a Midsummer Derby score. It was the first Travers I ever attended and somehow in the chaotic crush of that 2006 winner's circle celebration, I knew I always wanted to come back.

Street Sense in 2007. Colonel John in 2008. Summer Bird in 2009. Afleet Express in 2010.

What these horses bring to mind:

Early workouts, peppermints and the soft brush of whiskers against the palm, pricked ears and fluid, lengthy strides. Photographers waiting to catch a shot. Racing fans straining to catch a glimpse. The careful management of expert horsemen, and pieces of the puzzle falling perfectly into place.

I remember trips to the stakes barn. The bond between horse and rider. Walking through the paddock in the stillness of an early morning. The power and magnificence of certain runners.

Snapshots in time. Street Sense walking to the track, snatches of quiet conversation with trainer Carl Nafzger. Bill and Susan Casner walking hand-in-hand to the post-race interview after Colonel John's oh-so-narrow win. Summer Bird grazing, copper coat glinting in the sun. Jimmy Jerkens talking guardedly, cautiously, of his hopes for Afleet Express.

Memories of this year's Travers contenders have already been made. Shackleford rolling in sand outside Dale Romans' barn. Moonshine Mullin running his first dirt race in the Jim Dandy, quite well. The soft-spoken earnestness of J W Blue's trainer, Tony Dutrow, and the outspoken intensity of Stay Thirsty's owner, Mike Repole. Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice coming into the race a little less respected but game, we'll see what he can do, and the longshots -- Malibu Glow, Rattlesnake Bridge, Bowman's Causeway, Raison d'Etat -- because every race should have them.

Tomorrow the winner will be unveiled, and those memories will form a backdrop to the story.

Ask any owner, trainer, jockey. Winning a race at Saratoga is a thrill. Winning the Travers? That's the ultimate.