OCEANPORT, N.J. – Authentic was installed as the 4-5 morning line favorite to extend Bob Baffert’s record for victories in the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes following Wednesday’s post position draw for Monmouth Park’s showcase race. A field of seven will contest the 53rd edition of the Haskell on Saturday, July 18. Authentic drew post position 2 for the mile and an eighth Grade 1 race.
Unbeaten in his first three career starts, Authentic was second to Honor A.P. in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in his last start on June 6. Baffert has won the Haskell a record eight times, doing so in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).
Point Given with Gary Stevens up wins the 2001 Haskell in “dramatic fashion.”
Dr Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, was made the 5-2 second choice by Monmouth Park oddsmaker Brad Thomas. In his most recent start, Dr Post finished second in the Belmont Stakes on July 20. The son of Quality Road-Mary Delaney by Hennessy drew post position 1.
In a first for the race, the Haskell will offer points for the Kentucky Derby, with 100 going to the winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 for third and 10 for fourth. In addition, The Haskell has been designated as “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
BetMakers, in partnership with Monmouth Park, is also sponsoring a $1 million bonus for any horse that wins the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby (re-scheduled to Sept. 5) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 7.
First race post on Haskell Day, which includes the Grade 1 United Nations, is noon. NBC will televise the Haskell Day card from 5 to 6 p.m. as part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing.”
American Pharoah rockets past the field down the stretch to win the 2015 Haskell Invitational.
The field for the 53rd Haskell Stakes:
PP. Horse – Trainer – Jockey – MLO
1. – Dr Post – Todd Pletcher – Joe Bravo – 5-2
2. Authentic – Bob Baffert – Mike Smith – 4-5
3. Jesus’ Team – Jose D’Angelo – Nik Juarez – 15-1
4. Ancient Warrior – Jerry Hollendorfer – Trevor McCarthy – 20-1
5. Fame to Famous – John P. McAllen – Jose C. Ferrer – 30-1
6. Lebda – Claudio Gonzalez – Alex Cintron – 20-1
7. Ny Traffic – Saffie Joseph, Jr. – Paco Lopez – 7-2
Monmouth Park Press Release
Photo: Authentic with exercise rider Ramon Moya Jr., up gallops at Monmouth Park July 15 in preparation for the Haskell. Credit: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO
