Charlene Mage, the reigning champion of the Kentucky Derby, is set to face some formidable opponents in the $1 million Haskell at Monmouth Park this Saturday. This event marks the highlight of the racing season at Monmouth Park, while Del Mar’s reopening signifies the official start of summer horse racing.
The competition doesn’t stop there, as Saratoga also showcases some exciting races, including the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks featuring Kentucky Oaks rivals Gambling Girl and Wet Paint. Additionally, the Grade II Shuvee sees older female horses Clairiere and Nest battling it out.
Internationally, all eyes are on Savethelastdance as she leads Aidan O’Brien’s quartet in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh. Despite her previous defeat by another filly at Epsom, Savethelastdance has a chance to shine.
With three major tracks hosting races, horse racing expert Jude Feld, known as “the Pontiff,” offers valuable insights at www.popejude.com to help fans navigate the action-packed weekend.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the 3-year-old division battles. The acclaimed Mage, who triumphed at the Kentucky Derby, returns to the track in the highly anticipated $1 million Haskell at Monmouth Park. This race serves as a crucial qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic and a warmup for the Grade I Travers at Saratoga. Mage’s trainer, Gustavo Delgado Sr., expressed caution in running the colt but affirmed their decision to use the Haskell as a preparation race for the Travers.
Despite Mage’s impressive record, including a third-place finish in the Preakness Stakes, he is not the morning-line favorite in the Haskell. Arabian Knight, once a promising Triple Crown contender trained by Bob Baffert, holds that distinction. Baffert, aiming for his 10th Haskell victory, recognized Arabian Knight’s potential earlier this year and expects him to shine during the summer season.
The Haskell field features other intriguing contenders, such as Tapit Trice, Geaux Rocket Ride, Salute the Stars, and more. The competition remains fierce among the 3-year-olds, with runners from previous races like the Preakness and Belmont Stakes reentering the mix.
The action doesn’t end there, as the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga showcases Blazing Sevens, who, despite facing significant hurdles, remains a compelling contender. The race proves to be a thrilling matchup, especially if the top contenders falter.
In the 3-year-old fillies category, Kentucky Oaks second-place finisher Gambling Girl and fourth-place finisher Wet Paint headline the field for the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks. Hoosier Philly, Sacred Wish, Southlawn, and She’s Lookin Lucky round out the competition, promising a captivating showdown.
Looking ahead to the Woodbine Oaks-Plate double, recent years have seen impressive performances by fillies. However, this year’s $500,000 Woodbine Oaks for Canadian-breds lacks clear favorites, making it challenging to predict future outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Monmouth Cup at 1 1/8 miles presents Classic Proxy as the 3-5 morning-line favorite. The experienced Tapit son, owned by Godolphin, aims to dominate the race; however, Calibrate poses a potential threat to his victory.
Del Mar’s Sunday event, the Cougar II, features a competitive field, including claimer-turned-contender Kiss Today Goodbye and Bob Baffert’s Azul Coast, making his debut of the year.
The Grade II Shuvee at Saratoga showcases a small but elite field of four entries. Clairiere, a seasoned Curlin mare, enters with recent wins in the Grade I Apple Blossom and the Grade I Ogden Phipps. Nest, another Curlin progeny, previously secured consecutive victories but has not raced since the Breeders’ Cup.
As the weekend approaches, the excitement builds for these races that will shape the future of horse racing’s top contenders. Will Mage cement his dominance? Can the fillies claim victory once again? Only time will tell on this thrilling weekend of horse racing.
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