I'll throw out a crazy idea. Given the possible plans/synthetic issues, forget the Travers for Big Brown. How about Big Brown v. Curlin in the Woodward? That would be a return to the "good old days."

Saratoga version. A true, two-turn 9F. It would be interesting to see what that kind of race could draw on that weekend. Doubt a record crowd, however, for the reasons you stated.