Maximum Security Wins Haskell Invitational

For a minute or two, it seemed like deja vu - but at the end of the Haskell Invitational, the Stewards' Inquiry sign flashed on the tote board after the $1 million Haskell Invitational was run this evening.  I held my breath, wondering if another win by Maximum Security would be taken away from from, as the Kentucky Derby victory was.  But, after less than three minutes, the Stewards at Monmouth decided that John Velasquez's quick take-back of King for a Day at the 3/8ths pole did not cause any change  or disruption in the order of finish. 
   It was a very hot day in New Jersey; and the Haskell was scheduled to have a post time of 5:45.  After running the first two races on the schedule, it was decided to cancel all races, except the Stakes races, which would begin at 8 p.m., by which time, it was hoped the temperatures would cool.  The Haskell Invitational field left the starting gate at approximately 8:15 p.m. EDT this evening, with six entries, as Joevia was scratched.
   Bethlehem Road led for the first half mile, then King for a Day took over the lead.  The Maximum Security turned on the gas.  Maximum Security crossed the finish line in a time of 1:47.56 for the 1 1/8 mile race.  He was 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Mucho Gusto, who led Spun to Run by 8 lengths; and was followed by Everfast 2 1/2 lengths further back.  King for a Day finished in fifth, with Bethlehem Road in sixth.  Maximum Security received $600,000 of the $990,000 guaranteed purse.
Pay outs for a a $ betting ticket were: $3.60 to win on Maximum Security, $3.40 to place on Mucho Gusto; and $5.60 to show on Spun to Run.  A $2 exacta paid $12; and a $1 Superfecta paid $185.70.
   Due to the continuing heat wave along the east coast, all racing scheduled for Sunday at Monmouth Park has been cancelled.

Maximum Security winning the Haskell Invitational

 

Saturday: $1 Million Haskell Invitational & CVFC Southern Round-Up

Saturday, 20 July, will see the running of the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.  The race is over a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs), and the post time is 5:45.  There are seven entries, with Maximum Security chosen as the morning-line betting favorite at odds of 8 to 5.   Here are the post positions, the names of the entries, and the betting odds:
 1.   King for a Day       5 to 2
 2.   Joevia                   10 to 1
 3.   Spun to Run          15 to 1
 4.   Bethlehem Road   20 to 1
 5.   Mucho Gusto          2 to 1
 6.   Everfast                  10 to1
 7.   Maximum Security    8 to 5

Maximum Security, morning line betting favorite for the Haskell

At 7 a.m., the Saltwater Cowboys will convene at the main corrals on Beach Road in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.  The southern herd round-up is usually conducted in the afternoon, but this year, with the heat index projected to be 115° in the afternoon, the herd-gathering will take place before the heat of the day strikes.   The souhern herds consist of three groups - one led by Surfer's Riptide, one led by the Don Leonard Stud II (DLS2), and the 2018s (last year's group of Buy Back foals).  The northern herds will be rounded up Sunday morning.

Stallion Surfer's Riptide

Stallion DLS2

Four of the 2018 yearlings