Social Inclusion has first Haskell work

Social Inclusion turned in his first official work Thursday since finishing third as the favorite June 7 in the Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. He breezed an easy three furlongs in 35.77 seconds and galloped out a half-mile in 47.20 around the dogs over a sloppy and sealed racetrack at Gulfstream Park.

Social Inclusion is preparing for a rematch with Bayern in the $1 million Haskell Invitational on July 27. Bayern led throughout in a 7 1/2-length win in the Woody Stephens, with Social Inclusion chasing him. Social Inclusion finished third in the Wood Memorial in April and third in the Preakness in May.

“He was fine in the gate, and it was an easy breeze this morning,” said owner Ron Sanchez, who races under the nom de course of Rontos Racing Stable.

Social Inclusion has had some gate issues, and he schooled several times at the starting gate in the week before the Woody Stephens.

“We’ve given our colt a rest since his last start,” said Sanchez. “He looks better than he did in New York. He’s relaxed. We think he’s really maturing. The Haskell isn’t going to be an easy race. It looks like there’s going to be a lot of speed in there with Wildcat Red running. Hopefully, our horse will finally win a graded race.”

Wildcat Red, the Fountain of Youth winner and Florida Derby runner-up, and Social Inclusion are stabled year-round at Gulfstream.