Haskell: Baffert colts, Jack Christopher lead projected field

Undefeated Jack Christopher and a pair of runners for Bob Baffert, Grade 1 winners Taiba and Pinehurst, were among 19 sophomores nominated to the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 23. 

According to the Monmouth Park racing office, Jack Christopher and Taiba are both probable for the 1 1/8-miles Haskell. In addition to Jack Christopher, trainer Chad Brown also nominated Zandon, who was last seen running third in the Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner Early Voting.

Early Voting is not expected to make the trip to the Jersey Shore, according to Monmouth Park officials. He is also under consideration for the $600,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga on July 30. Zandon is possible for the Haskell but could also wait for the Jim Dandy. 

Taiba, winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1), worked from the gate for the second-straight time on Thursday. The son of Gun Runner breezed six furlongs in 1:12 after completing the same distance from the gate in 1:11 on June 25.

Taiba has not started since a 12th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby in just his third career start. Pinehurst has been off since being eased in the March 26 UAE Derby (G2). He has been training steadily at Santa Anita and is listed as possible. 

The Haskell would mark Baffert's return to Grade 1 competition following a 90-day suspension. He has won the race a record nine times with the last coming with Authentic in 2020 when it served as a prep for the COVID-delayed Kentucky Derby. 

Trainer Brad Cox could also have multiple Haskell runners, according to Monmouth Park officials. Cyberknife, who sandwiched wins in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Matt Winn (G3) around a disappointing Kentucky Derby, is expected to compete. Stablemate Home Brew is also possible after winning the June 18 Pegasus Stakes, the local prep for the Haskell. 

Others listed as probable for the Haskell by the Monmouth Park racing office were local hope Benevengo for trainer Jesus Cruz and Howling Time, who most recently was second to Cyberknife in the Matt Winn. 

Other Haskell nominees, who Monmouth Park indicated were not likely to compete, were Classic Causeway, Kuchar, Mr Jefferson, Smarten Up, Steal Sunshine, Western River and We the People.

Horses not currently nominated to the Haskell can also be supplemented at a cost of $25,000 at the time of entry.