Lots of talent within compact Haskell lineup

OCEANPORT, N.J. – The Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park has drawn a small group with some big accomplishments.

Nyquist and Exaggerator finished one-two in the Kentucky Derby and accounted for the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Gun Runner finished third in the Derby after winning the Louisiana Derby. And, then there is the up-and-coming American Freedom, who is trained by Bob Baffert, winner of five of the last six Haskells and a record eight overall.

“I think that winner’s circle is a little crowded right now,” Baffert said. “There are a lot of people who think they can win this race.”

The $1 million Haskell takes on added significance this year with a handful of 3-year-olds tightly bunched atop the division. Nyquist, Exaggerator, and Belmont Stakes winner Creator cut up the Triple Crown and have one other Grade 1 win apiece in 2016.

Opportunities to join the discussion are quickly running out, too. Following this weekend’s Jim Dandy and Haskell, the only major stakes for 3-year-olds left to go are the Travers and Pennsylvania Derby. After that, it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup Classic against older horses. As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, the Haskell winner will earn a guaranteed, fees-paid berth into that race.

In the end, the 1 1/8-mile Haskell goes through Nyquist, last year’s 2-year-old champion, who is 8 for 9 after suffering his first defeat at the hands of Exaggerator in the Preakness. Nyquist had beaten Exaggerator in all four of their prior meetings.

On Thursday at Monmouth, trainer Doug O’Neill explained he held himself, and not jockey Mario Gutierrez, responsible for Nyquist’s Preakness defeat.

Gutierrez put Nyquist into the race leaving the gate over the sloppy track and briefly was on the pace between horses. Nyquist then engaged in a protracted speed duel with longshot Uncle Lino before being overtaken by Exaggerator in upper stretch. Nyquist was nipped for second by a nose.

“I think I got a little cocky, having an undefeated Kentucky Derby winner,” O’Neill said. “It felt like we were bringing in King Kong. I think the riding instructions I gave Mario were poor. I told him that if we win the first turn, we win the race. I feel I kind of handcuffed Mario.”

Nyquist came down with a temperature and high white blood cell count following the Preakness. He enters the Haskell off a 10-week break and six workouts, including a mile in 1:39.40 before the first race at Del Mar last Sunday. O’Neill is confident Nyquist is ready.

“I thought his work last weekend was phenomenal,” O’Neill said.

The Haskell will be televised on NBC from 5-6 p.m. Eastern. Post time is scheduled for 5:47 p.m. The undercard includes four stakes, which directly precede the Haskell. Sunday’s forecast is for a high temperature of 78 with a 60 percent chance of scattered showers.

Haskell, Race 12

Key Contenders

Nyquist, by Uncle Mo

Last 3 Beyers: 96-103-94

◗ From post 1, Gutierrez will have to ask him for a little run to gain early position. O’Neill believes Nyquist can adapt to whatever happens.

“I am confident he can go to the front if they are crawling on the lead or take back if they’re going fast,” O’Neill said.

Gun Runner, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 99-96-91

◗ He is 5 for 7 in his career, and his only loss this year came when he finished third in the Derby. Trainer Steve Asmussen has given him six weeks between races, dating back to his Louisiana Derby win in March.

“He’s progressed for us in the intervals between his races,” Asmussen. “I think he’s the best he’s been, and he’ll have to be. He’s facing the two horses that beat him in the Derby. He’s only had seven races and I think there is a tremendous amount ahead for him.”

American Freedom, by Pulpit

Last 3 Beyers: 96-94-83

◗ He’s 3 for 4 in his career and will be taking a major jump in class following his Iowa Derby victory.

“This is going to be a class check for him, but he’s ready for it,” Baffert said. “He’s a beautiful horse, he’s moving forward, and we’ve been pointing to this race a long time.”

Exaggerator, by Curlin

Last 3 Beyers: 83-101-101

◗ This will be his first start since finishing 11th in the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Keith Desormeaux was targeting the Jim Dandy but changed plans this week because he was not pleased with how Exaggerator finished and galloped out in two works at Saratoga.

Awesome Slew, by Awesome Again

Last 3 Beyers: 90-84-72

◗ According to trainer Eddie Plesa Jr., we should find out Sunday how good this late-developing colt is. He was a little short for his last start and looks set to outrun his odds.

Sunny Ridge, by Holy Bull

Last 3 Beyers: 83-88-92

◗ He has ability but will be making his first start in five months after pulling a muscle in his hind end. Trainer Jason Servis said he would have liked to have gotten him a prep race but ran out of time.