Dullahan headed to Monmouth Park to compete in the Haskell Invitational Stakes
Despite Dullahan’s disappointing performance in the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, trainer Dale Romans wants to give him another chance in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park, which will take place on 29th July,
2012, at Monmouth Park over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
The Donegal Racing owned runner finished a disappointing seventh in the Belmont Stakes, but has some impressive victories to his name including the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes.
With the help of his brisk pace and jockey K. Desormeaux, the Even the Score’s 3-year-old colt conquered the 1 1/8 mile distance, and claimed the victory over Hansen, while Gung Ho finished in third place.
Foaled by mare Mining My Own, the runner is in good form, and seems to be doing incredibly well in his work-outs.
Dullahan, recently turned in a four furlong work-out in 47.80 seconds at Churchill Downs, and completed a six furlong gallop out in 1 minute and 14.20 seconds.
If Dullahan, performs up to the mark in this race, the next stop is likely to be the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes, which will take place at Arlington Park on 18th
August, 2012, and will cover a distance of 1 ¼ miles.
Trainer Michael Matz is thinking of running the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes winner, Union Rags, in the Haskell Invitational as well. He stated the in order to become the ultimate champion, Grade 1 races should not be missed.
The trainer prefers the Haskell as opposed to the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes, which will take place at Saratoga on 28th July, 2012.
Matz said: “I will have to make a decision”
He further added: “I would imagine, though, that if you are trying to be the 3-year-old champion, you have to run in the grade one races and that would be the Haskell.”
Trainer Todd Pletcher is focusing on the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes for his runner, Gemologist.
The trainer explained to the press that:
“The Jim Dandy is our target at the moment, unless something happens and we switch gears for the Haskell.”
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