Dr Post (Quality Road), runner-up in the June 20 GI Belmont S., and June 6 GI Santa Anita Derby runner-up Authentic (Into Mischief) are among nine 3-year-olds possible for the July 18 GI Haskell S. at Monmouth Park, with an additional two sophomore runners possible, according to director of racing and racing secretary John Heims and stakes coordinator Lynn T. Ott. This year's edition of the nine-furlong race provides points toward the Sept. 5 GI Kentucky Derby in addition to serving as a “Win and You're In” reward for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 7.
If all nine start, it will be the largest field for Monmouth's signature race since 2014, when there were also nine starters.
Monmouth Park is also putting up a $1-million bonus for any horse that sweeps the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Ancient Warrior (Constitution), Ete Indien (Summer Front), Fame to Famous (Tapit), Jesus' Team (Tapiture), Lebda (Raison D'Etat), Ny Traffic (Cross Traffic) and Sonneman (Curlin) are the other probables for the Haskell. The connections of Modernist (Uncle Mo) and Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper) are also under consideration for the race.
If one or both of those decide to go it would mark the largest Haskell field since 11 started in the 1995 race.
Dr Post won a pair of races at Gulfstream Park this spring, including the Unbridled S. in April before his Belmont placing behind Tiz the Law (Constitution). Authentic won his first three career starts, including the GIII Sham S. Jan. 4 followed by the Mar. 7 GII San Felipe S. before finishing second to Honor A.P. (Honor Code) in the Santa Anita Derby.
Trainer Bob Baffert previously won the race in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
