Coil works, Haskell a possibility

DEL MAR, Calif. - Coil, upset as the heavy favorite in the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park on July 9, turned in an impressive workout at Del Mar on Tuesday morning and is under serious consideration for the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 31, trainer Bob Baffert said.

Working just after the mid-morning renovation break with jockey Martin Garcia aboard, Coil broke off well in front of stablemate Prayer for Relief, the Iowa Derby winner, and cruised through a half-mile in 47.40 seconds while well within himself. Prayer for Relief, under serious urging from jockey Rafael Bejarano, could not keep up and was timed in 49.20 seconds.

“He went over this pretty good,” Baffert said. “He was just galloping.”

Garcia, reporting to Baffert on a walkie-talkie, said, “I never asked him for run or anything.”
Baffert said a workout planned for early next week will decide if Coil goes to the Haskell. His other option is the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 6 at Mountaineer, a race Baffert won last year with Concord Point.