Monmouth works to line up Haskell challengers to face American Pharoah

With the Haskell Invitational two weeks away, Mike Dempsey, Monmouth Park’s director of racing, and stakes coordinator Dan Dufford are beating the bushes to round up rivals to take on Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

It’s not an easy assignment.

Not only is American Pharoah the No. 1 ranked horse in the country, horsemen have other options that weekend besides the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell, which is a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy will be held at Saratoga and the Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby will be run at Mountaineer Racetrack. The Jim Dandy, West Virginia Derby, and the Aug. 2 Haskell are all 1 1/8-mile races.

“There is so much money out there,” Dempsey said. “But every year it’s a challenge and every year it comes up a great race. I try to touch base every day with anyone who has a horse under consideration for the race.”

Todd Pletcher has several 3-year-olds he will split up amongst different stakes.

“I think right now Todd is leaning toward Competitive Edge for the Haskell,” Dempsey said.

Competitive Edge was brilliant winning his first four starts, but came up empty last time out in the Dwyer. He has worked four times since.

Others considering the Haskell, according to Dempsey, include:

Keen Ice, who has finished third in the Belmont Stakes and seventh in the Kentucky Derby for trainer Dale Romans in his last two starts.

Mr. Jordan and Tekton, the first- and second-place finishers in the Grade 3 Pegasus at Monmouth on June 21.

Mr. Jordan is 4 for 6 in his career for Eddie Plesa Jr. He defeated Tekton by a head in the Pegasus after drifting in the stretch.

Tekton won a first-level optional-claiming race by 10 3/4 lengths prior to the Pegasus for trainer Tony Dutrow.

War Story, who finished third in the Louisiana Derby and second in the Risen Star at Fair Grounds last winter for trainer Tom Amoss and Loooch Racing Stable.

Other possibilities include Upstart and Mr. Z, but they are less likely.

Fountain of Youth winner Upstart would be making his first start since the Kentucky Derby for trainer Rick Violette. Upstart has worked four times since June 30.

“Right now we are firmly looking at the Jim Dandy,” Violette said. “But we are reserving the Haskell as a possibility.”

Mr. Z, who finished second in Saturday night’s Indiana Derby, would be running back on two weeks’ rest. He is also a possibility for the West Virginia Derby.