$1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational (Grade 1) Sunday, July 27, 2014 Monmouth Park – Oceanport, NJ NBC Sports, 5-6 pm ET live! Favorites have won the Haskell 7 of the last 9 years. Beaten favorites in that time were Shackleford (2nd at 3-2 in 2011), and Curlin (3rd at 4-5 in 2007). Favorites have won 15 of the last 20. Logical players also regularly complete the exacta. Only 1 horse in the last 9 years has finished in the exacta at better than 10-1 odds. Coal Play, 2nd in 2008 at 20-1, was also the only pacesetter in the last 7 years to finish in the exacta. Gate-to-wire winners posted 3 consecutive Haskell wins from 20022004 (War Emblem, Peace Rules, Lion Heart), but no horse has won the Haskell on the front end since. Pace pressers have ruled the Haskell for the last 9 years. No winner, with the exception of Coil who went from last to first in 2011, has been more than 1 ½ lengths off the pace after 3/4 of a mile. Look for exclusive Breeders’ Cup Challenge Players’ Guides! Aug. 2: Aug. 23-24: Aug. 30: Sept. 27: Oct. 4-5:
Whitney Travers-Pacific Classic double issue! Woodward Jockey Club Gold Cup/Awesome Again Keeneland Fallstars double issue! Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
Track Record – 1:46.80 (Spend a Buck, 1985) Haskell Stakes Record – 1:47 (Bet Twice, 1987; Majestic Light, 1976) Most popular winning posts: Post 4 (9), Post 1 (8), Post 5 (6) Most jockey wins – Craig Perret (3); Seven others tied with (2) – Martin Garcia, Jerry Bailey, Miguel Rivera, Jose Santos, Mike Smith, Gary Stevens, John Velazquez Most trainer wins – Bob Baffert (6); Three others tied with (3) – Warren A. Croll Jr., Sonny Hine, Todd Pletcher Highest Win Mutuel – $73.00 (Skip Trial, 1985) Lowest Win Mutuel – $2.40, twice. (Holy Bull, 1994; Big Brown, 2008) Largest Winning Margin – 9 ¾ lengths (Verrazano, 2013) Smallest Winning Margin – Nose (Forty Niner, 1988; Holding Pattern, 1974)
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Players’ Guides are researched, written and designed by Jeremy Plonk along with Brian W. Spencer and the Horse Player NOW team. Photographs by Eclipse Sportswire.
Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
ALBANO Record: 7 starts – 3 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third ($308,100)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Trainer Larry Jones, injured in a morning mishap in April that included bleeding in his brain, returns to the major stage for first time since. PAST PERFORMANCES: Returned from 2-1/2 month break to win G3 Pegasus at Monmouth. 2-time stakes winner also won Fair Grounds’ Sugar Bowl in December. Runner-up in the G2 Risen Star and G3 Lecomte Stakes this spring. PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Half-brother to G2 Peter Pan Stakes winner Mark Valeski. Sire Istan’s daughter Istanford just won last week’s G2 San Clemente. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: Looks to follow 2013 Pegasus winner Verrazano with a Haskell sweep. Last Haskell winner to have spent his/her winter in New Orleans – Rachel Alexandra in 2009. Larry Jones’ last Haskell appearance was 2nd in ’07 with Hard Spun. THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Kerwin Clark: 54-year-old native of Lafayette, LA makes Haskell debut. Pegasus marked his 1st graded stakes win since 1992. Trainer Larry Jones: 2-time Ky Derby runner-up is a 57-year-old native of Hopkinsville, KY. Trained ’11 Horse of Year Havre de Grace. Owner Brereton Jones: Governor of Kentucky from 1991-’95, he’s owner of Airdrie Stud. 2-way football starter at University of Virginia. Jones named this horse, like brother Mark Valeski, for an employee at the Sea View Hotel in Bal Harbor, FL, a favorite stay-over of the owner. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
BAYERN Record: 6 starts – 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third ($477,680)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Trainer Bob Baffert owns an all-time Haskell record 6 victories. PAST PERFORMANCES: Dominated the G2 Woody Stephens Stakes sprinting on the Belmont Stakes Day undercard for his first stakes victory. Disqualified from victory in Churchill’s G3 Derby Trial for drifting out. 0-2 in races beyond 1 mile (9th Preakness, 3rd Arkansas Derby). PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Sire Offlee Wild twice beat Funny Cide in G1 Suburban, G2 Mass Cap. Maternal grandson of ‘95 Ky Derby & Belmont winner Thunder Gulch. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: Baffert 1 or 2 in last 8 Haskell editions in which he’s had a starter. Coronado’s Quest in ’98 is only Stephens winner to add the Haskell. The last Haskell winner to exit a sprint prep was Affiliate in 1977. Since 1997, 8 Haskell champs have been based in California. Garcia can tie Craig Perret for Haskell record with a 3rd career win. st
nd
THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Martin Garcia: 29-year-old native of Veracruz, Mexico is a perfect 2-for-2 in the Haskell all-time, ’10 Lookin at Lucky, ’11 Coil. Trainer Bob Baffert: ’09 Hall of Fame inductee is a 61-year-old native of Nogales, AZ. Haskell-record 6 wins: 2001, ’02, ’05, ’10, ’11, ’12. Owner Kaleem Shah: Native of Bellary, India, son of noted trainer in his native land (Majeed Shah, trainer of 2 Indian Triple Crown winners). Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
ENCRYPTION Record: 4 starts – 1 win, 1 second, 2 thirds ($67,120)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Monmouth’s dominant jockey Lopez pairs with Jersey native Breen. PAST PERFORMANCES: Placed in both local Haskell preps: 3rd in G2 Pegasus and most recently 2nd in Long Branch Stakes. Only victory came in a May 24 Monmouth maiden special weight route. All 4 lifetime starts have been at Monmouth Park. PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Sire Exchange Rate won 2000 Risen Star, 2001 Tom Fool and best known at stud for siring G1 Apple Blossom winner Ermine. Dam Mystic Soul was a graded stakes-placed turf performer. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: The last Monmouth-based Haskell winner was Skip Away in 1996. Breen would be first Jersey-born trainer to win Haskell since Ben Perkins Sr. did so in 1981. Breen was 2nd in this race in 2006. Big Brown (’08) is only Haskell winner in past decade to exit a prep finish worse than 2nd. THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Paco Lopez: 28-year-old native of Veracruz, MEX on way to 2nd straight Mth title; won 5 straight races last Sunday. 0-2 in Haskell. Trainer Kelly Breen: Age 45 from nearby Perth Amboy, NJ. Upset 2011 Belmont Stakes with Ruler On Ice at 24-1 (then 3rd in Haskell). Owner Stoneway Farm: Jim Stone of Lexington, Ky, a trucking executive. Sold newspapers in Keeneland stable area as a youth. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
IRISH YOU WELL Record: 10 starts – 2 wins, 1 second, 5 thirds ($182,150)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Hasn’t lost since he was 3 rd to eventual 1-2 Belmont Stakes finishers. PAST PERFORMANCES: After starting career 0-for-8, he’s won 2 straight at Monmouth Park, including the Long Branch Stakes on July 5. 3rd in G3 Illinois Derby and G2 Peter Pan, the latter behind Tonalist and Commissioner, who subsequently swept Belmont Stakes exacta. Has finished in the superfecta (top 4) in each of his last 9 attempts. PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Sire Broken Vow’s current 3yo crop includes G1 Ashland winning-filly Rosalind as well as recent G2 American Derby winner Divine Oath. Dam Pun is half-sister to G1-winning sprint star Zensational. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: Long Branch winner hasn’t added the Haskell since Lion Heart in ‘04. Last year’s Long Branch champ, Micromanage, finished 3rd in Haskell. Since ’04, only Verrazano (’13) won Haskell after a local Mth prep. THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Jose Lezcano: 29-year-old native of Panama supplanted Joe Bravo as Mth leading rider in ‘08. 0-3 in Haskell, 1st attempt since ‘10. Trainer Wayne Catalano: New Orleans native celebrated his 58th birthday 7/24. Won 1792 races as jock, 3 Breeders’ Cups as trainer. Owner Donegal Racing: Iowa-based syndicate partnership headed by lawyer Jerry Crawford, 64; his family traces to County Donegal, IRE. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
JUST CALL KENNY Record: 4 starts – 2 wins, 2 seconds ($112,820)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: With 14 career Haskell ride, Bravo surpasses Craig Perret all-time. th
PAST PERFORMANCES: Runner-up in Monmouth’s Long Branch Stakes on July 5 behind Irish You Well despite a 6-month hiatus from racing. Won Jan. 4 Spectacular Bid at Gulfstream sprinting as the longest shot in the race at 19/1 before sidelined with condylar fracture/surgery. 1-for-2 juvenile season included debut win at Monmouth last August. PEDIGREE: VIRGINIA-BRED Sire Jump Start best known at stud for millionaire sons Rail Trip & Prayer For Relief. His son Pants On Fire was 5th in the 2011 Haskell. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: With only 4 prior starts, he’d be the most lightly raced Haskell winner in history. Paynter had 5 prior starts going into his 2012 score. The last Monmouth-based Haskell winner was Skip Away in 1996. Last Haskell winner to exit Long Branch final prep – Lion Heart 2004. THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Joe Bravo: 42-year-old native of nearby Long Branch, NJ. 1for-13 in the Haskell, winning in ’04 aboard Lion Heart. 5 times 2nd. Trainer Pat McBurney: 57-year-old Philadelphia native was 5th with pacesetting Cable Boy in 2007 Haskell. Former John Forbes aide. Owner ABL Stable, Bossone, Cahill, Donnelly, Phantom House Farm: NJ-based partnership managed by ex-trainer John Forbes. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
MEDAL COUNT Record: 9 starts – 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third ($411,600)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Only Belmont Stakes alumnus in this year’s Haskell, exiting a Triple Crown race he nearly upset at 24/1 when 3rd by 1 length. PAST PERFORMANCES: Winner of Keeneland’s G3 Transylvania Stakes and 2nd in the G1 Blue Grass, he solidified his dirt reputation with a strong 3rd in the Belmont. Troubled trips in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont at 26/1 & 24/1. His 3 wins have come on dirt, turf and Polytrack. PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Sire Dynaformer best known at stud for 2006 Derby winner Barbaro. Dynaformer’s top effort as racehorse came in 1988 Jersey Derby. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: 3 of last 8 Haskell winners came directly out of the Belmont Stakes (Paynter 2012, Big Brown 2008, Bluegrass Cat 2006). Would be 1st Belmont 3rd-place finisher to win the Haskell. 5th straight Haskell appearance for Romans (3rd, 2nd, 5th, 5th). THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Robby Albarado: 40-year-old native of Lafayette, LA. Runnerup in ’03 Haskell with Sky Mesa and 3rd in ’07 with 4/5 favorite Curlin. Trainer Dale Romans: 47-year-old Louisville, Ky native. Romans also was 3rd in ’10 Haskell with that year’s Belmont 3rd, First Dude. Owner Spendthrift Farm: B. Wayne Hughes of Public Storage fame owns Spendthirft Farm, and also races champion filly Beholder. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
SOCIAL INCLUSION Record: 5 starts – 2 wins, 3 thirds ($374,400)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Preakness 3rd-place finisher can validate his owner’s confidence for reportedly turning down a $6M offer this spring for the late bloomer. PAST PERFORMANCES: 3 in 3 straight stakes attempts since bursting on scene. Registered Wood Memorial, Preakness and Woody Stephens placings from distances of 7 furlongs to 1-3/16 miles. Back-to-back Gulfstream wins to open career, debuting on Feb. 22. rd
PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Sire Pioneerof the Nile was runner-up in ’09 Ky Derby and his 1st crop of 3yos this year includes Cairo Prince, Vinceremos et al. Dam was 3rd in G2 Hollywood Oaks routing; from a sprint-laden family. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: Last Preakness 3rd to win Haskell was Peace Rules in 2003. Same number of pre-Haskell starts as ’12 winner Paynter (5). The last Haskell winner to exit a sprint prep was Affiliate in 1977. THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Edgar Prado: 2008 Hall of Fame inductee is a 47-year-old native of Lima, Peru. Piloted Peace Rules to ’03 Haskell victory. Trainer Manny Azpurua: 85-year-old native of Caracus came to US at age 50; his father was a founding member of Venezuelan Jockey Club. Owner Rontos Racing: Ron Sanchez, 43-year-old native of Caracus. Prior to Preakness, his only other trip to middle jewel was in ’96 infield. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
UNTAPABLE Record: 8 starts – 6 wins, 1 third ($1,304,725)
WHY SHE’S IMPORTANT: Kentucky Oaks heroine meets the boys with a 4-race winning streak. PAST PERFORMANCES: 4-for-4 this year by a combined margin of 31 lengths (closest 4½ L). 5 career graded stakes wins – all dirt routes at 3 different tracks. Unbeaten in 6 starts outside of California, 0-2 in the Golden State. PEDIGREE: KENTUCKY-BRED Winchells raced sire Tapit and dam Fun House to graded stakes wins. Sire Tapit’s dream year also includes Belmont winner Tonalist. Half-sister to Paddy O’ Prado, 5-time graded turf stakes winner. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: 2 fillies have won Haskell – Rachel Alexandra ’09, Serena’s Song ‘95. No filly has won the Haskell in her first attempt vs. the boys. Rachel Alexandra 1/2 favorite, Serena’s Song 3/2 favorite in Haskell. Rosie Napravnik aims to become 1st female jockey to win the Haskell. Sire Tapit’s son Trappe Shot was 2nd in ’10 Haskell to Lookin At Lucky. Favorite has won Haskell 5 of the last 6 years (’11 Shackleford 2nd). THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Rosie Napravnik: 26, Mendham, NJ native (60 miles from Monmouth). 2nd in her ’13 Haskell debut (Power Broker). Trainer Steve Asmussen: 48, native of Gettysburg, SD, trained ’09 Haskell-winning filly Rachel Alexandra; #2 all-time trainer wins (6800+) Owner Winchell Thoroughbreds: Ron Winchell (Las Vegas) and his mother Joan carry on family legacy of late donut king, Verne Winchell. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!
WILDCAT RED Record: 9 starts – 5 wins, 3 seconds ($750,850)
WHY HE’S IMPORTANT: Florida’s dominant 3YO since New Year’s Day never seems to earn respect. Haskell could wash away bad Ky Derby road-trip memories. PAST PERFORMANCES: 10-length winner of Quality Road S. over Ohio Derby champ East Hall. Came up a neck short of joining Spectacular Bid & Fly So Free as only horses to sweep GP’s Hutcheson-Fountain of Youth-Florida Derby. Trained poorly before troubled trip in Kentucky Derby when 18th of 19. PEDIGREE: FLORIDA-BRED Son of top 2001 sophomore sprinter D’Wildcat, winner of G2 Swale. Half-brother to champion Jamaican older mare Racing Machine. HASKELL INVITATIONAL POINTS: Can join recent FL-bred Haskell champs Coil (’11), Peace Rules (’03). 1st Florida-prepped Haskell runner since Imawildandcrazyguy (4th, ’07). ‘13 Haskell winner Verrazano was 14th in Kentucky Derby, marking 7th time a double-digit Derby finisher won Haskell (including Skip Away, Serena’s Song, Holy Bull et al). THE CONNECTIONS: Jockey Luis Saez: 22-year-old native of Panama City, Panama. Haskell debut, the year after winning the Travers (Will Take Charge). Trainer Jose Garoffalo: 50-year-old Venezuelan owns law degree in his homeland and has trained in US since 1979 (best year 34 wins). Owner Honors Stable Corp.: Salvatore & Josie Martino-Delfino of Venezuela, restauranteurs w/ import-export business & 2-horse stable. Learn more about racing and wagering FREE online every Tuesday, 8:30 pm ET!