2020 Haskell Invitational Contenders & Odds

Authentic was installed as the 4-5 morning line odds favorite to extend Bob Baffert's record for victories in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes following Wednesday's post position draw for Monmouth Park's showcase race.

A field of seven will contest the 53rd edition of the Haskell on Saturday, July 18. Authentic drew post position 2 for the mile and an eighth Grade 1 race.

Unbeaten in his first three career starts, Authentic was second to Honor A.P. in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in his last start on June 6.

Baffert has won the Haskell a record eight times, doing so in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).

Dr Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, was made the 5-2 second choice by Monmouth Park oddsmaker Brad Thomas. In his most recent start, Dr Post finished second in the Belmont Stakes on July 20. The son of Quality Road-Mary Delaney by Hennessy drew post position 1.

In a first for the race, the Haskell will offer points for the Kentucky Derby, with 100 going to the winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 for third and 10 for fourth. In addition, The Haskell has been designated as "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

BetMakers, in partnership with Monmouth Park, is also sponsoring a $1 million bonus for any horse that wins the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby (re-scheduled to Sept. 5) and the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 7.

First race post on Haskell Day, which includes the Grade 1 United Nations, is noon.

Pre-Draw News

The biggest event at Monmouth Park - the $1 million Haskell Invitational, is set to celebrate its 53rd renewal on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

The Haskell is a part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" series, with the race winner receiving an automatic spot with fees paid for the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday, November 7.

In addition, this year's 53rd edition of the Haskell offers the added inducements of points for the Kentucky Derby which takes place on Saturday, September 5. A total of 170 points will be available for a chance to make the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby, with 100 going to the Haskell winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 to the third-place finisher and 10 to the fourth-place horses.

Authentic & Dr. Post Are Among Nine Probables For 2020 Haskell Invitational

Belmont Stakes runner-up Dr. Post and Santa Anita Derby runner-up Authentic are among nine 3-year-olds listed as probable for the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 18, with two other sophomore runners possibly joining the field.

If all nine go it will be the largest field for Monmouth Park's signature race since 2014, when there were also nine starters.

This year's 53rd edition of the Haskell offers the added inducements of points for the Kentucky Derby and a "Win and You're In" reward for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Monmouth Park is also putting up a $1 million bonus for any horse that sweeps the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic. The Haskell is one of two Grade 1 races remaining for 3-year-olds prior to the Kentucky Derby, which has been moved to Sept. 5 from its traditional spot the first Saturday in May because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Breeders' Cup Classic is scheduled for Nov. 7.

Ancient Warrior, Ete Indien, Fame to Famous, Jesus' Team, Lebda, Ny Traffic and Sonneman are the other probables for the nine-furlong Haskell Stakes.

The connections of Modernist, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, and Mystic Guide are also considering the Haskell Stakes.

If one or both of those decide to go it would mark the largest Haskell field since 11 started in the 1995 race.

Dr. Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, had won two of his first three career starts before finishing second to Tiz the Law in the Belmont Stakes on June 20.

Authentic, second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby to Honor A.P. on June 6, represents trainer Bob Baffert's attempt to win a record ninth Haskell. He has captured the race in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).

Post time for Haskell Day is noon, with the Grade 1 United Nations also part of the stakes-filled card. The Grade 3 Monmouth Cup, the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher and the Grade 3 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes are part of the undercard as well.

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Thirty-three Horses Nominated To Grade 1 Haskell Stakes On July 18, 2020

Thirty-three horses were nominated to the Grade 1, $1 million TV Haskell Stakes, with Monmouth Park's signature race on July 18 offering the added inducements of points for the Kentucky Derby and "Win and You're In" status for the Breeders' Cup Classic, racing secretary/handicapper John Heims and stakes coordinator Lynn T. Ott announced today.

Monmouth Park is also putting up a $1 million bonus for any horse that sweeps the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic this year.

The nine-furlong Haskell, to be contested for the 53rd time, headlines a stakes-filled program that includes the Grade 1 United Nations. It is one of just two Grade 1 races left for 3-year-olds prior to the Kentucky Derby, which has moved to Sept. 5 from its traditional spot the first Saturday in May because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Breeders' Cup Classic is set for Nov. 7.

A total of 170 points will be available for a chance to make the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby, with 100 going to the Haskell winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 to the third-place finisher and 10 to the fourth-place horses.

Santa Anita Derby runner-up Authentic is one of three runners nominated from trainer Bob Baffert's barn. Cezanne and Uncle Chuck are the others.

Baffert has won the Haskell Invitational a record eight times, doing so in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).

Opening Day for the 2020 Monmouth Park meet is set for Friday, July 3, with a 5 p.m. first post. Saturday and Sunday post times will be 12:50, with the exception of a noon start on Haskell Day.

Monmouth Park Offering $1M Bonus For Sweep Of Haskell, Kentucky Derby And Breeders' Cup Classic

With the TVG Haskell Stakes already offering a $1 million purse, points for the Kentucky Derby and "Win and You're In" status for the Breeders' Cup Classic, Monmouth Park is sweetening the pot even more for its showcase race.

The track announced today that it will offer a $1 million bonus this year to any horse that sweeps the Haskell Stakes, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Haskell will be contested for the 53rd time on July 18 when it headlines a stakes-filled program. The $3 million Kentucky Derby has been re-scheduled to Saturday, Sept. 5, from its traditional first Saturday in May slot due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Keeneland.

In 2015 American Pharoah swept the three races en route to his Horse of the Year title.

For the first time in Haskell history, the top four finishers will earn points (100-40-20-10) for the Kentucky Derby.

Monmouth Park's 75th season gets underway on Friday, July 3.

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