Trainer Todd Pletcher confirms Gemologist’s participation in the Haskell Invitational
Trainer Todd Pletcher has confirmed that, Gemologist will run in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on 29th July, 2012, where he will try to dominate the 1 1/8 mile distance and the rest of the field.
Pletcher reflected on his training sessions and told the press that his entry has been confirmed. He said:
“He is going to run. He’s definite.”
The handler further stated via press release that:
“He has been training extremely well and we are very pleased with how he is coming into the race.”
The WinStar Farm owned runner has confirmed he is itching to race through his work-outs. At Saratoga, he worked in company with Dwyer Stakes’ winner, Dominus and drilled five furlongs in 58 2/5 seconds.
The trainer was pleased with that effort, and the impressive time the runner completed the course in.
Pletcher further added:
“I thought he breezed as well that morning as he’s ever breezed and he’s always been a good work horse.” He also stated: “But he was exceptionally good that morning.”
It is definitely a good sign that the sophomore is returning to form, as he is coming off a 15th place finish in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on 5 May, 2012.
The three-year-old colt has tasted victory before when he succeeded in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct in April, 2012, where he finished the race in an impressive 1 minute and 50.96 seconds.
Pletcher is confident that, Gemologist has returned to his winning form and seems optimistic about the Haskell. The Kentucky bred runner has an overall record of 5-0-0 out of six starts and earnings worth $784,855.
Javier Castellano will be aboard the son of Tiznow, out of mare Crystal Shard. This will be the rider’s sixth start on Gemologist, and the jockey is hoping that he can turn this into a memorable trip.
If Gemologist manages to notch a victory in this race, it will be Pletcher’s third victory in this race, since he previously saddled, Bluegrass Cat, in 2006 and Any Given Saturday in 2007.
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