Good Magic tops Haskell probables

The $1 million Haskell Invitational is known as a race that always gets its horse. Whether it be Nyquist, American Pharoah, Rachel Alexandra, Big Brown, or Curlin, the cream of the 3-year-old crop makes an annual visit to Monmouth Park.

But this year is different. Undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify is on sabbatical, and there really isn’t a suitable replacement. Justify’s trainer – eight-time Haskell winner Bob Baffert – is not even expected to have an entrant.

In Justify’s absence, Good Magic is the active pro-tem division leader. And while his credentials are impressive, and he’s coming to Sunday’s Grade 1 Haskell, there is a certain post-Justify hangover in the air.

Good Magic has been pointed to the Haskell by trainer Chad Brown ever since his brave effort in the Preakness, when he hooked Justify for the lead. Good Magic gave Justify a spirited battle before being outfinished and ending up fourth, beaten one length over the sloppy footing.

Last year’s 2-year-old champ, Good Magic has worked seven times for the Haskell, and he will rule a solid favorite. In his two starts prior to the Preakness, Good Magic won the Blue Grass and finished second in the Kentucky Derby.

The Haskell, which is competing with the Grade 2 Jim Dandy and the Curlin at Saratoga for the same pool of horses, is likely to have a six- to eight-horse field.

Risen Star winner and Preakness runner-up Bravazo, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, will likely be the second choice.

Bravazo worked a half-mile in 48.61 seconds over a sealed and wet track Sunday at Saratoga. He began the move about two lengths behind the unraced 2-year-old Derby Date and finished on even terms with him.

“We didn’t want Bravazo to do a lot, so we just escorted him around there and let him run with him the last eighth,” Lukas said.

West Coast trainer Peter Eurton confirmed Sunday that he will be sending Ohio Derby winner Core Beliefs to the Haskell. Core Beliefs is scheduled to be flown from Southern California to Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday.

Core Beliefs worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Saturday at Del Mar.

“It was a lovely work,” Eurton said. “He’s a neat horse with a lot of ability.”

Core Beliefs, a late-developing 3-year-old, overcame a four-wide trip to defeat Lone Sailor – who also had a difficult journey – in a very tight Ohio Derby photo.

Trainer Tom Amoss said Monday eveining he would be sending Lone Sailor to the Haskell. He had been debating between the Jim Dandy and the Haskell.

Pegasus runner-up Roaming Union, who races for trainer Kelly Breen, is considered definite for the Haskell. Trainer Butch Reid said he is “leaning strongly to the Haskell” with Long Branch winner Navy Commander but had not ruled out the Jim Dandy.

The connections of several would-be longshots also are contemplating the Haskell.

The 1 1/8-mile Haskell is part of the Breeders Cup Challenge Series and a Win and You’re In for the Classic. Post positions for the Haskell will be drawn Thursday.

The Haskell will be televised on NBC from 5-6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.

There are five stakes, four of which are graded, on the Haskell undercard.

– additional reporting by David Grening