Long Branch Final Chance for Haskell Invite
Last chance for the big dance! Saturday’s $100,000 Long Branch Stakes has proven to be the final stepping stone for horses looking to get an invite to Monmouth Park’s signature event- The $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational on Aug. 2.
Saturday’s 81st renewal of the mile and a sixteenth Long Branch has drawn a field of seven, including stakes winner Souper Colossal, who won last year’s Tyro and Sapling at Monmouth Park, and graded stakes runner-up Stanford, who finished second in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. Among those trying to pull off the upset is Iamahandsome Man, who looks to make it two in a row over the Monmouth Park main track.
“The horse has been training really well,” said Derek Ryan, who conditions the horse for Metro Thoroughbreds LLC. “We wanted to stretch him out and this distance should fit him well.”
The 3-year-old gelding by Musket Man out of the Racing Star mare Ginny Auxier broke his maiden earlier in the meet on May 23 when he took the field wire-to-wire in the one mile event on the main track, scoring by nearly two lengths.
Last time out, Iamahandsome Man tried the turf for the first time in a $40,000 allowance race as he went out to set the pace, but finished seventh behind eventual winner Boot Scootn Daddy, who has started his career two-for-two.
Iamahandsome Man has worked once since his last start, where he went :48 4/5 over four furlongs on the Monmouth dirt on July 6. That work was the fifth fastest out of the 23 horses that went four furlongs on that day.
“This is going to be a tough field,” said Ryan. “but he’s doing well and we’re hoping for the best.”
Traditionally, the top two finishers of the Long Branch have received invites into the $1 million Haskell Invitational. Last year’s one-two in the Long Branch, Irish You Well and Just Call Kenny, competed in the 2014 Haskell with the pair finishing fourth and sixth, respectively, behind winner Bayern.
Daniel Centeno is back aboard Iamahandsome Man on Saturday. The Long Branch will be race 11 on Saturday’s 12-race card. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with first post at 12:50 p.m.
JOCKEY POSTER SIGNING AND KID’S CLUB THIS WEEKEND AT MONMOUTH PARK
Another weekend filled with events for people of all ages is set for this weekend at Monmouth Park.
On Saturday, meet your favorite jockeys as they sign commemorative jockey posters in the walking ring before the day’s card. Riders will be available for autographs when gates open at 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Posters will be available with a donation to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.
On Sunday, the second installment of the Monmouth Park Kid’s Club will take place from 12-2 in the Breeders’ CupGarden, which is located next to the walking ring. Kids will decorate sun visors as well as take pictures in jockey silks. Space is limited to 30 children. To make reservations, call 908-216-3785.
This Sunday, as well as every Sunday, is Free Family Fun Day, which includes pony rides, a bounce house and live music from Mazz Force.
Gates open all weekend long at 11:30 a.m. with first post coming at 12:50 p.m.
Source: Monmouth Park