Monmouth Park: Haskell Stakes Features Derby Rematch

The Kentucky Derby is arguably the most recognizable horse race in the world. As the summer wears on many of the names that were at the epicenter of the racing world in May will begin to make their return efforts. Saturday’s Haskell will see a Derby rematch between the winner and one of his main rivals at Monmouth Park.

The Haskell Stakes from Monmouth Park

You’ll have to forgive connections of talented two year olds that see brilliance early in their horse’s career and catch the Derby fever. Now months removed many of those connections have moved their runners back to distances and surfaces that are more suitable to their breeding.

Those that continue to run in the dirt classics will have plenty of opportunities to run against familiar foes, late developers, and older horses. This weekend’s Haskell Stakes will be one of the first real chance to see some of the major players from the 2023 Triple Crown trail.

Historic Haskell Stakes

Over the years, the Haskell Stakes has played host to some of the greatest horses in the sport’s history, showcasing their extraordinary talents. Among the esteemed champions to have triumphed in this race is the indomitable Bet Twice, who secured back-to-back victories in 1987 and 1988, a feat that only further solidified his place in the annals of horse racing greatness. The legendary Serena’s Song, the first filly to claim victory in the Haskell in 1995, defied all expectations and exemplified the enduring spirit of equine prowess.

In 2009, the unforgettable Rachel Alexandra delivered a masterclass performance, defeating her male counterparts with remarkable ease, showcasing a level of skill rarely witnessed in the sport. And who could forget American Pharoah’s awe-inspiring run in 2015, solidifying his status as a Triple Crown winner and igniting a renewed passion for horse racing in the hearts of millions.

2023 Haskell

The big story coming into the 2023 Haskell is the return of the Kentucky Derby winner, Mage. Despite the impressive win in May he enters the race as the co-second choice.

Favored will be the Bob Baffert horse, Arabian Knight who was ineligible to earn Derby points due to the trainer’s suspension from Churchill Downs. The ban dates back to the Medina Spirit positive overage and subsequent disqualification in 2021.

Sharing 2nd choice honors with Mage is Tapit Trice. The horse went off at 9-2 in the Derby and finished 7th behind Mage who was a considerable longshot at 17-1.

The question in these summer renewals of the three year old classic division is which horses are getting better and which ones were just precocious babies. The answers to these questions can crown champions or create opportunities for significant upsets and big payouts for bettors.

Monmouth Park Saturday Full Card Analysis

Monmouth Park – Race 1

Post: 12:00 PM ET; $55k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 8

• #3 MIRABELLA (2-1) appears to be the one to beat here. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, she has shown consistent form in her recent starts and seems ready to deliver a strong performance today.
• #6 LOVERS ROCK (5-2) is another contender in this race. Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Joel Rosario, she is likely to improve off her first start and shouldn’t be underestimated.
• #8 STARTUP MENTALITY (7-2) makes her debut here and could be in the mix. With the combination of Chad Brown as the trainer and Javier Castellano as the jockey, she deserves respect.
• #7 GOMOMISCHIEF (12-1) is a longshot pick who could surprise. While considered an outsider, she might be worth including underneath in exotic bets.

Selections: 3 – 6 – 8 – 7

Monmouth Park – Race 2

Post: 12:27 PM ET; $60k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 mile 70 yards on dirt; Entries: 9

• #3 DESERT DALLIANCE (5-2) is the top selection in this race. Having shown performances good enough to challenge this group, he looks like the class of the field.
• #7 HAZARDOUS HUMOR (4-1) should be competitive and has a strong late-closing ability that could play well in this race.
• #6 YOUR INHERITANCE (6-1) also deserves consideration, as he tends to run evenly and should benefit from a fair pace scenario.
• #1 GET GROOVY (15-1) is a longshot with potential value. This horse seems to handle the distance well and should not be dismissed entirely.

Selections: 3 – 7 – 6 – 1

Monmouth Park – Race 3

Post: 12:54 PM ET; $27.5k Claiming going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 14

• #14 BARLEEWON (6-1) stands out as the best option here, with performances that could make him a serious threat in this race.
• #12 SANDY LANE KITTEN (9-2) is another strong contender who could challenge the leaders. He has shown the ability to compete well in this class.
• #10 TIZ A PRINCE (8-1) is worth considering, as he has solid speed figures and could be ready to deliver a big run.
• #11 DUBBY DUBBIE (8-1) is also a contender in this wide-open race, with a good chance to finish well from a mid-pack position.

Selections: 14 – 12 – 10 – 11

Monmouth Park – Race 4

Post: 1:22 PM ET; $60k Allowance Optional Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 9

• #4 AMERICAN LAW (5-2) gets the top selection here. He has shown performances good enough to compete with this group and is expected to make a strong run from the second tier.
• #8 NOLO CONTESTO (7-2) is another worthy contender with the combination of trainer Jacobson and jockey Castillo, making him a horse to watch in this race.
• #2 SEA TRIDENT (6-1) has a chance to be part of the early pace scenario, and that could work in his favor.
• #3 WOODLINE (4-1) might find it challenging to win, but he could be in the mix for minor placings.

Selections: 4 – 8 – 2 – 3

Monmouth Park – Race 5

Post: 1:52 PM ET; $300k WinStar Matchmaker S. going 1 1/8 miles on turf; Entries: 7

• #6 CONSUMER SPENDING (5-2) stands out as the top pick in this race. With a consistent record and proven ability on this surface, she is well-positioned to deliver a strong performance.
• #4 GAM’S MISSION (9-2) is another major player in this event, with competitive speed figures making her a serious contender.
• #2 PERSONAL BEST (3-1) should not be overlooked, as she is considered the class of the field and has a good chance to make an impact in this race.
• #1 CANISY (6-1) is expected to be part of the early pace scenario, and that could work to her advantage in this competitive event.

Selections: 6 – 4 – 2 – 1

Monmouth Park – Race 6

Post: 2:24 PM ET; $60k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 mile 70 yards on dirt; Entries: 10

• #3 ALLABOUTTHEMONEY (5-1) appears to be a major player in this race and could benefit from a hot pace upfront.
• #10 SUBROGATE (5-2) is the top pick here. He is expected to handle the distance well and boasts the highest overall power rating in the field.
• #9 EL HERMANO (15-1) is a longshot with some potential value. He could be in with a chance, and his odds make him an intriguing option.
• #5 KING OF HOLLYWOOD (4-1) is another horse expected to be part of the early pace and should not be overlooked.

Selections: 3 – 10 – 9 – 5

Monmouth Park – Race 7

Post: 2:56 PM ET; $57.5k Allowance going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 14

• #2 INTERNAL CAPITAL (5-2) is the top selection here. He seems well-suited for the distance and boasts strong speed figures.
• #8 FOREVER SOUPER (5-1) is another major player, with the potential to make a late charge and contend for the win.
• #5 HARPOON HARRY (15-1) is a longshot pick who could surprise, having shown performances good enough to be competitive in this field.
• #14 TAP FIRST (30-1) is another outsider who might be worth considering for exotic bets.

Selections: 2 – 8 – 5 – 14

Monmouth Park – Race 8

Post: 3:29 PM ET; $400k Monmouth Cup S. going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 PROXY (3-5) is the top pick here, with performances that indicate he is capable of beating this field.
• #3 CALIBRATE (7-2) is a fringe contender, but with solid speed figures, he shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
• #7 WHELEN SPRINGS (8-1) is another horse expected to be in the first flight and could contend late in the race.
• #2 FOREWARNED (12-1) is a longshot worth considering, as he has the potential to be competitive if he runs a strong race.

Selections: 6 – 3 – 7 – 2

Monmouth Park – Race 9

Post: 4:05 PM ET; $100k Wolf Hill S. going about 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 11

• #2 MID DAY IMAGE (4-1) appears to be a major player here, with a good chance to contend based on his speed figures.
• #7 NOTHING BETTER (3-1) is the top pick, boasting performances that make him the horse to beat in this competitive field.
• #5 WITTY (9-2) is another contender who will be rolling late, and his closing kick could play a crucial role in this race.
• #9 FORE HARP (7-2) is expected to be part of the early pace and should not be overlooked.

Selections: 2 – 7 – 5 – 9

Monmouth Park – Race 10

Post: 4:38 PM ET; $500k Molly Pitcher S. going 1 1/16 miles on dirt; Entries: 8

• #4 SEARCH RESULTS (8-5) is the top selection in this race. With the highest overall power rating in the field, she is a formidable contender.
• #7 FIRST TO ACT (6-1) is another horse to watch, with the combination of trainer Mcgaughey and jockey Velazquez, giving her a competitive edge.
• #2 FALCONET (10-1) is a longshot who shouldn’t be underestimated, as she looks to be the class of the field.
• #3 DISTINCTLYPOSSIBLE (9-2) is expected to handle the distance well and could contend based on her speed figures.

Selections: 4 – 7 – 2 – 3

Monmouth Park – Race 11

Post: 5:06 PM ET; $600k United Nations S. going 1 3/8 miles on turf; Entries: 10

• #9 RED KNIGHT (5-2) is the top pick, with strong performances that suggest he has what it takes to beat this field.
• #1 THERAPIST (6-1) is another contender, and he looks to be the class of the field with competitive speed figures.
• #6 PLANETARIO (3-1) is a fringe contender, but he shouldn’t be dismissed entirely and could make an impact with a competitive run.
• #3 CATNIP (4-1) is another horse to consider, having shown the ability to run evenly and contend in races with a fair pace scenario.

Selections: 9 – 1 – 6 – 3

Monmouth Park – Race 12

Post: 5:45 PM ET; $1000k TVG.com Haskell S. going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 8

• #5 TAPIT TRICE (3-1) is the top pick here, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Luis Saez. He appears to be well-suited for this race.
• #8 ARABIAN KNIGHT (5-2) is another major player in this event, with consistent pace figures that could work well in a moderately paced race.
• #1 GEAUX ROCKET RIDE (9-2) should be competitive, with a good chance to contend based on his performances.
• #4 MAGE (3-1) is another strong contender in the Haskell, coming off a win in the Derby. Is he just rounding into form? I’ll stand against here, but he’s a cool story.

Selections: 5 – 8 – 1 – 4

Monmouth Park – Race 13

Post: 6:20 PM ET; $57.5k Allowance going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 9

• #7 CECILE (3-1) is the top selection here, with performances good enough to challenge this group.
• #9 FORTINENO (5-2) is another major player, expected to be part of the late-running pack and contend for the win.
• #4 RUDA (6-1) could be a strong contender for exotic bets, with a chance to finish well with a competitive run.
• #3 ROYAL DAME (8-1) also deserves consideration and might benefit from a hot pace upfront.

Selections: 7 – 9 – 4 – 3

Monmouth Park – Race 14

Post: 6:49 PM ET; $57.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 mile 70 yards on dirt; Entries: 8

• #3 LIFE ON THE NILE (3-1) is the top pick here. Trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Nik Juarez, he shows consistent pace figures, making him a serious contender in this race.
• #4 JUST BEAT THE ODDS (3-1) is another contender who should not be overlooked, as he has demonstrated the potential to be competitive in this field.
• #1 PHELPSY (5-2) is expected to be part of the early pace and could be a strong factor in this race, with trainer Chad Brown and jockey Joel Rosario.
• #7 PENZANCE (4-1) is worth considering for exotic bets, as he has proven he can handle these conditions in previous starts.

Selections: 3 – 4 – 1 – 7