Atomic Rain unlikely for Haskell

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Atomic Rain has been downgraded to "unlikely" for the $1.25 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday at Monmouth Park.

"He missed the last few days of training with a sore foot," said Rick Mettee, the New York-based assistant to Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin Racing. "It looks unlikely that he will make the race."

Mettee said a final decision will be made Thursday morning, prior to the draw.

"If there is a chance he can go to the track, we may enter him and see how it looks," Mettee said.

The injury was detected after Atomic Rain breezed five furlongs in 1:00.40 here Saturday.

It was his first work for Godolphin following the private purchase last week from George and Lori Hall.

After finishing 16th in the Kentucky Derby, Atomic Rain bounced back at Monmouth to win a pair of races, including the Long Branch Stakes, the traditional prep for the Haskell.

If Atomic Rain can't make the Haskell, a field of six is shaping up for the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds.

Expected runners are the filly Rachel Alexandra, who is looking to duplicate her win over colts in the Preakness; Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird; Munnings; Papa Clem; Bunker Hill; and Duke of Mischief.

- additional reporting by David Grening