Horse Racing Nation expert picks: Haskell Stakes
The top-level summer season for 3-year-old dirt routers shifts into high gear Saturday at Monmouth Park with the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational Stakes. The eight-horse field includes Kentucky Derby winner Mage, making his first start since finishing third in the Preakness. It also features the return of the well-regarded Arabian Knight, who has won both his starts but has not raced since the Southwest (G3) in January.
Below is how the experts at Horse Racing Nation plan to play the Haskell Stakes.
Ed DeRosa, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: No. 5 Tapit Trice
On the board: No. 4 Mage
Long shot I like: No. 3 Salute the Stars
Analysis: With the presence of Kentucky Derby winner Mage and the Baffert-trained wunderkind Arabian Knight, we should absolutely get our price on Tapit Trice, who also sports the top rank in Brisnet's Prime Power.
Ron Flatter, Ron Flatter Racing Pod
Winner: No. 7 Extra Añejo
On the board: No. 4 Mage
Long shot I like: No. 8 Arabian Knight
Analysis: This is a price play on a colt who looked as good as any 2-year-old stretching out last year before his ankle went south on him. Extra Añejo has the breeding for this distance, and if he shows the same form tactically that he did last year, he should be well positioned to get first run on the early speed. It would not surprise me if Mage spoiled my plans, because he, too, is made for an honest pace that seems likely in this renewal. Those two will be my exacta box. Like Extra Añejo, Arabian Knight has been on the shelf a long time, but I feel that could be a bigger factor that could have him overspending his early speed. It feels like this race will set him up better for his next start this summer.
Jarrod Horak, Today's Best Bet
Winner: No. 8 Arabian Knight
On the board: No. 5 Tapit Trice
Long shot I like: No. 1 Geaux Rocket Ride
Analysis: Arabian Knight is the only confirmed front runner in this field. He has been highly regarded since the beginning and appears ready to fire a big shot in his first outing since January. Tapit Trice is the only 2-time graded winner in this field. He must avoid a slow start. Mage is using this as a prep for the Travers. Geaux Rocket Ride should work out a nice ground saving tactical trip.
Wagers: No. 8 to win, exacta box 5-8, trifecta key 8/1-4-5
Reiner Macatangay, Setting the Pace
Winner: No. 7 Extra Añejo
On the board: No. 8 Arabian Knight
Long shot I like: No. 3 Salute the Stars
Analysis: After returning to his flashy form last time in an Ellis Park optional claimer, Extra Añejo looks ready for the next step at nine furlongs in this Grade 1 race. He brings tactical speed and can either sit off Arabian Knight in the early stages or even stalk around third or fourth a few lengths behind the lead. Extra Añejo will not start as the favorite, which makes his lack of nine-furlong experience and zero prior graded stakes experience easier to take betting-wise.
Win: 7 (at 7-2 or higher)
United Nations / Haskell double: 3,5,7 with 7
Ashley Tamulonis, From Coast to Coast
Winner: No. 3 Salute the Stars
On the board: No. 8 Arabian Knight
Long shot I like: No. 5 Tapit Trice
Analysis: Salute the Stars has been a new colt since switching to dirt and won the local prep. He should be well-placed to not get entangled in a speed duel while also having the jump on the one-run types. He'll also offer a price for bettors.
Rowan Ward, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: No. 1 Geaux Rocket Ride
On the board: No. 4 Mage
Long shot I like: No. 3 Salute the Stars
Analysis: Arabian Knight likely sets the pace, but he has yet to try nine furlongs and has been laid off for a while, so tactical speed behind him is attractive. Enter Geaux Rocket Ride, who should be able to work a trip close to the pace for a trainer who excels with placing and running shippers. Long shot Salute the Stars has a local win, improving form, and a stalking style, giving him a chance to work a trip much like Geaux Rocket Ride. Mage appears to be better from a closing style, which won't get the best setup on the win end at Monmouth, but he has the stamina and class to fill out the exotics.