Haskell Invitational field coming together

While owner Ron Winchell and trainer Steve Asmussen contemplate whether to run their star filly, Untapable, against the boys July 27 in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational or stay within their division and point to the Coaching Club American Oaks, the field for the $1 million Haskell is beginning to come into focus.

As of Wednesday morning, Monmouth Park stakes coordinator Dan Dufford had six probables for the 1 1/8-mile race, including Bayern, runaway winner of the seven-furlong Woody Stephens Stakes on Belmont Stakes Day.

Bayern, based in California with trainer Bob Baffert, won the Stephens by 7 1/2 lengths and earned a 107 Beyer Speed Figure. He has had two works since that race, including five furlongs in 59.80 seconds on the Fourth of July.

Others pointing to the Haskell include:

– Albano earned a 100 Beyer for his 6 1/2-length romp June 15 in the Grade 3 Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth. He worked five furlongs Monday at Delaware Park.

“We’re planning on the Haskell,” trainer Larry Jones said. “We know he likes the track.”

This winter at Fair Grounds, Albano won the six-furlong Sugar Bowl Stakes and was second around two turns in both the Lecomte Stakes and the Risen Star Stakes. He finished fifth in the Louisiana Derby but was placed fourth by the stewards after being bumped nearing the far turn.

– The Fountain of Youth Stakes winner and Florida Derby runner-up Wildcat Red tuned up for the Haskell with a 10 1/4-length romp June 28 in the $90,000 Quality Road Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He is based in Florida with trainer Jose Garoffalo.

– Social Inclusion has not worked since finishing third to Bayern in the Woody Stephens, but his owners have indicated to the Monmouth racing office they plan on coming for the Haskell.

– The top two finishers from last weekend’s $105,000 Long Branch Stakes at Monmouth – Irish You Well and Just Call Kenny – are considered probable for the Haskell, while the third-place finisher Encryption also is a possibility.

Irish You Well earned a 98 Beyer for trainer Wayne Catalano by holding off Just Call Kenny by a half-length in the 1 1/16-mile Long Branch. Just Call Kenny, trained by Patrick McBurney, was making his first start since winning the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park in January. Encryption, trained by Kelly Breen, finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Just Call Kenny.