Pletcher confirms Tapit Trice to Saturday’s TVG.com Haskell Stakes

By Tom Luicci —-

PLETCHER ADDS TAPIT TRICE TO TVG.COM HASKELL FIELD

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed today that Tapit Trice, winner of the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes, will make his next start in the Grade 1, $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 22, following the colt’s workout this morning at Belmont Park.

Tapit Trice joins Geaux Rocket Ride, Arabian Knight, Howgreatisnate, Salute the Stars and Extra Anejo as 3-year-olds currently committed to Monmouth Park’s showcase race.

The connections of Kentucky Derby winner Mage have indicated they will make a decision regarding the Haskell early next week.

Tapit Trice, a $1.3 million yearling purchase who is owned by Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Thoroughbreds, was third in the Belmont Stakes in his most recent start.

He worked four furlongs breezing in :49.15 this morning.

“He just did what he normally does, which is work well and gallop out strongly. He was moving great. It was everything we wanted to see,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher’s presence gives the Haskell four Hall of Fame trainers for the race, along with Richard Mandella (Geaux Rocket Ride), Bob Baffert (Arabian Knight) and Steve Asmussen (Extra Anejo).

Baffert will be looking to add to his record of nine Haskell wins.

The 56th running of the Haskell Stakes headlines a 14-race card the includes the Grade 1, $600,000 United Nations at a mile and three-eighths on the turf and three Grade 3 stakes – the $500,000 Molly Pitcher, the $400,000 Monmouth Cup and the $300,000 WinStar Matchmaker.

The post position draw for the Haskell is Wednesday.