Poker Stakes next for Hawkish

ELMONT, N.Y. – Hawkish, a narrow winner over Projected in Saturday’s Cliff Hanger Stakes at Monmouth Park, will be pointed to the Grade 3, $300,000 Poker Stakes at Belmont on June 16, trainer Jimmy Toner said Monday.

Hawkish won the Cliff Hanger after finishing second in the Appleton Stakes at Gulfstream Park to begin his campaign.

“He got tied up in traffic, he was in tight all the way,” Toner said. “It opened up a bit when they straightened away for home. He was able to split horses and get up. It was a good first effort and he came back and got the job done Saturday.”