Union Rags headed to Monmouth Park to compete in the Haskell Invitational
The Michael Matz trained, Union Rags, is all set to compete again after his glorious victory in the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, and now he might try his luck in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on 29th July,
2012, which covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
The son of Dixie Union, foaled by mare Tempo, also holds an entry in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes, which will take place at Saratoga on 25th August, and run over a distance of 1 ¼ miles.
The trainer attempts to dethrone, I’ll Have Another, and gain the top spot. The Doug F. O'Neill trained runner aced the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in a grand fashion, but now has been retired.
The trainer is strategically choosing these races as he told the press:
“Those are the races you sort of have to do unless you’re willing to concede [a championship], and I’m not ready to do that yet.”
Provided the three-year-old colt runs in the Haskell Invitational, chances are he will meet the mighty Bodemeister, who has exhibited exceptional form time and time again.
Regarding this, the trainer commented:
“I think he’s going to have more [pace] pressure on him going a mile and an eighth than he is going a mile and a quarter,” Matz further told the media that “If [Union Rags] is good enough, he’s good enough; if he’s not good enough, he’s not good enough.”
The trainer’s jockey of choice was John Velazquez for the Haskell Invitational, but the rider sustained an injury on 16th June, 2012.
Referring to this, the trainer said if the jockey is not feeling well, then the ride should be given to someone else, but that would only be a temporary arrangement.
Joel Rosario could take charge of Union Rags, since he has impressive credential and an immense amount of talent.
The sophomore runner’s form cannot be doubted, since he showed incredible pace and determination on a work-out which took place on 6th July, 2012. Under jocket, Peter Brette, he completed the five furlong course in 1 minute
and 0.60 seconds.
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