Haskell Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (July 22)

• One of the most competitive races on the U.S. calendar takes place at Monmouth Park this weekend
• Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Bob Baffert’s Arabian Knight among the entries for the Haskell Stakes

The Haskell Stakes is always one of the key races for horses aged three in their preparations for the Breeders’ Cup. However, this year’s edition appears more important, as a high-quality field will go to post to battle over the 1 1/8 mile distance to earn a place in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic. You can find our Haskell Stakes preview and prediction, below.

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Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 5:45 p.m. ET
• Where: Monmouth Park, New Jersey
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

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Haskell Stakes Odds

Horse	Odds
Arabian Knight
Mage
Tapit Trice
Geaux Rocket Ride
Extra Anejo
Salute The Stars
Howgreatisnate
Awesome Strong

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Race Preview

The 12^th race on the card at Monmouth Park this weekend comes in the form of the G1 Haskell Stakes. A field of eight will compete over 1 1/8 miles, with a purse of $1 million up for grabs. The Haskell has been a key Breeders’ Cup trial throughout history, with runners such as American Pharoah and Authentic completing the big race double.

Bob Baffert’s has trained a record nine winners of the Haskell, and he will saddle the returning Arabian Knight on Saturday. The three-year-old was by early pick for the Kentucky Derby, before failing to line-up on the prep trial due to his connection with the Baffert yard. However, he comes into this race as a leading chance, having already comfortably won the G3 Southwest Stakes over 1 1/16 miles this year. But, this will be a first Grade 1 start, and a first attempt over 1 1/8. Regardless, he is high-quality and should face no major issues.

READ MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs Jermell Charlo Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Sept 30)

Kentucky Derby winner Mage also lines up in the Haskell this weekend for trainer Gustavo Delgado. The three-year-old tired in the later stages of the Preakness on his latest start, but there’s no doubt he stays this trip after winning the Derby and finishing a close second to Forte in the G1 Florida Derby.

Salute The Stars is a very interesting contender from the Brad Cox yard, as this son of Candy Ride already has course experience after beating both Kingsbarns and Howgreatisnate in the Pegasus Stakes. That appears strong form, and there would be few surprises if he finishes in the top three. Geaux Rocket Ride is a horse I liked earlier in the season, and he looked back to his best for Richard Mandella when landing the Affirmed on his return to action at Santa Anita in early June.

Meanwhile, Extra Anejo was a one-time Derby favorite for Steven Asmussen, and should be suited to this step up to 1 1/8 miles after landing an allowance optional claimer over a mile on his previous start to score a speed figure of 100.

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Haskell Stakes Prediction

This is potentially a better race than any of the Triple Crown races this year, with quality across the track. Arabian Knight, Extra Anejo, and Mage will be runners to use in Exotics. However, I am very sweet on Tapit Trice for Todd Pletcher.

This distance will suit him down to the ground, and I believe he is likely to continue his progression after finishing third in the Belmont Stakes, reaching a speed rating of 105. He was last seen over this distance landing the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Free Picks

• Exacta Box: (4) Mage/ (5) Tapit Trice/ (7) Extra Anejo/ (8) Arabian Knight