Handicapping the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes

By Rick Francis —-

The summer racing season turns it up a notch Saturday with the running of the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes from Monmouth Park. A field of eight 3-year-olds will head to the strating gate with a $1 million purse and a “Win and You’re In” berth for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.Let’s take a look at the contenders.

MONMOUTH PARK

Race 12) 1&1/8th Mile. TVG.com Haskell S. OM HASKELL S.. Grade I. Purse $1,000,000 FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS
Post Time: ( 5:45)/ 4:45/ 3:45/ 2:45

8) Arabian Knight (Baffert/Velazquez); out of Uncle Mo, makes only his 3rd career start and first since January. Colt has led at every call in his first two starts and for those unfamilar with the Bob Baffert game plan it’s go to the front and catch me if you can; it’ll be close at the end but he hangs on.

5) Tapit Trice (Pletcher/Saez); many thought that with this Tpit colt’s long stride the Belmont Stakes distance was right up his alley, such was not the case as he could only muster a mild late kick in finishing third. The big grey will make it very interesting at the line.

4) Mage (Delgado/Castellano); Derby winner I’m convinced was never going to handle the 2-week turnaround for the Preakness, but you had to take the shot at immortality. Good Magic colt is back to his race routine and is dangerous at this distance; may offer the best value.

The Field from the rail out:

1) Geaux Rocket Ride (Mandella/Smith)
2) Awesome Strong (Delgado, J./Batista)
3) Salute the Stars (Cox/Rosario)
4) Mage (Delgado, G./Castellano)
5) Tapit Trice (Pletcher/Saez)
6) Howgreatisnate (Dobbs/Lopez)
7) Extra Anejo (Asmussen/Gaffalione)
8) Arabian Knight (Baffert/Velazquez)

SELECTIONS: 8, 5, 4, 3