Sizing up the Haskell Invitational
Down the stretch at the Haskell Invitational
This year's Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park is starting to shape up as one of the most-anticipated late-Summer races in the sport in recent memory. Triple-crown winner American Pharoah is scheduled to be there, a huge first in the tournament as no Triple Crown Winner has ever previously participated in this event. Meanwhile, a number of unknown contenders are expected to be racing to take the $1 Million prize. Four-time Trainer of the Year winner Todd Pletcher's selection for the race is still unknown, and as many as 35 have been invited to this prestigious tournament. Let's take a look at how this year's Haskell Invitational is going to bring something special to the sport.
American Pharoah Changes the Playing Field at the Haskell
In recent weeks, a number of the potential competitors were gauging whether or not they would be racing at Haskell based on American Pharaoh’s pending decision to compete in, or pass on, this race. Carpe Diem won't be coming down for Todd Pletcher, as his stable will be sending either Competitive Edge or Stanford, both relative unknowns in the horse's place. Despite the thirty-five different horses invited to race this far, right now it looks like American Pharoah has the edge coming into the competition. Given the many incentives offered by the Haskell Invitational for high profile horses, such as the fact that “owners and trainers of the entries will receive a $25,000 bonus for each Triple Crown race victory they bring to the race,” perhaps it is not entirely surprising that American Pharoah is in the field.
Racing fans who have not yet bought their tickets to this event will have to pay steep prices on the secondary market to see this year’s Haskell live.. After it was announced American Pharoah was coming to the Haskell Invitational, the competition almost immediately sold out.
Sizing Up the Competition As We Currently Know It
Monmouth Park recently listed confirmed entrants War Story, Tekton, and Mr. Jordan alongside either Competitive Edge or Stanford. Keen Ice, Bent on Bourbon and Good Pick Nick still remain possible. Ultimately it depends on which horse Pletcher goes with to assess with thoroughbred will provide the strongest competition to American Pharaoh. While Competitive Edge came back from a hairline fracture to win the divisional and a number of races, if Pletcher decides to rest Competitive Edge, we won't know what to expect from Stanford. A number of others are expected in the race. However, which horses are coming in will likely unfold over the next week, as trainers prepare for the August 2nd event.
Since most of the horses who are currently signed up are long-shots, this could ultimately break down to be a race between American Pharoah and whoever Todd Pletcher decides to put out on the track. While some of the horses have a strong track record, the pundits seem to be firmly in American Pharoah's camp. Whether the sports books agree, however-- and ultimately whether the Triple Crown winner takes yet another title-- still remains yet to be seen.
