Paynter set to compete in the Haskell Invitational while Liaison prepares for the Jim Dandy Stakes
With the big names such as I’ll Have Another, Union Rags and Bodemeister out of the picture, several new runners will compete in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational which will be hosted at Monmouth Park on 29th July,
2012.
Among these runners is Paynter, who is under the training of Bob Baffert, and he will take runners including Dullahan, Stealcase, and Nonios.
Liaison, who is also trained by Bob Baffert will compete in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes which will be held on 28th July, 2012 at Saratoga.
Both these runners have been preparing for their scheduled races, and worked a distance of six furlongs together at Del Mar on 23rd July, 2012.
Liaison clocked in 1 minute and 12.40 seconds with Martin Garcia aboard, while Paynter completed the distance in 1 minute and 11.80 seconds under rider Rafael Bejarano.
Regarding Liaison, the trainer stated:
“He’s really improved since his last work.”
The trainer further added:
“I probably gave him too much of a head start on Paynter. Paynter is a lazy work horse. But he galloped out a mile in 1:39.”
Paynter, who runs under the banner of Zayat Stables, previously competed in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes on 9th June, 2012, where he finished as a runner-up to Union Rags.
Since then, some speculation has risen about his form but, Baffert confirmed that he is all set to go.
“He got hit hard in a hind leg, skinned up his leg, and pulled a shoe.” Baffert stated: “He was sore for a couple of days, but he came out of it and he’s been doing great.”
Liaison, son of Indian Charlie, out of mare Galloping Gal, previously competed and finished third in the Grade 2 Swaps Stakes at the Betfair Hollywood Park on 4th
July, 2012, which covered a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Both the Haskell Invitational and the Jim Dandy Stakes cover a distance of 1 1/8 miles. Liaison will be shipped to Saratoga on 24th July, 2012, while Paynter will be flown to New Jersey on 26thJuly, 2012.
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