Gemologist and Paynter busy in preparation for the Haskell Invitational
Paynter and Gemologist are getting ready to take on the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational, scheduled to take place on 29th July, 2012, at Monmouth Park, which will cover the distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Todd Pletcher’s charge, Gemologist, previously competed in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby and finished a non-threatening 16th, and since then, he has not competed in any race.
On 16th July, 2012, the son of Tiznow, foaled by mare Crystal Shard, worked-out over five furlongs at Saratoga and bolted through the track, as he covered the distance in 1 minute and 0.88 seconds over the dirt surface.
Before the Kentucky Derby, the three-year-old secured five victories in his five starts. He has the potential to land the Haskell Invitational, and it just needs to be polished with training.
Pletcher would like to see his runner excel and bag the race. The renowned trainer has won the Haskell twice before with Bluegrass Cat in 2006 and Any Given Saturday in 2007, a third victory with Gemologist would be welcomed.
On the other hand, Paynter, trained by Bob Baffert is in good shape and this was proved when he finished as a runner-up in the prestigious Grade 1 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, where the victory was notched by, Union Rags.
Now, the son of Awesome Again, out of mare Tizso, is enhancing his form even more and seems to be doing remarkably well.
He completed the six furlong course in 1 minute and 13 1/5 seconds on 18th July, 2012, at Del Mar. He was the fastest among six at the same distance.
The three-year-old also had work-outs on 4th July and 11th July, 2012, and he is consistently improving with each drill.
The trainer is optimistic about his form but, has not decided when the runner will be taken to the race venue as he commented:
"I don't know yet when Paynter will ship and arrive on the grounds."
Paynter and Gemologist will have to bring their best to the track, since they will be competing against the Mike Maker trained, Hansen.
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