OCEANPORT, N.J. - The dream of making the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational on Aug. 2 at Monmouth Park seemingly left town for owners George and Lori Hall and trainer Kelly Breen with the sale of West Side Bernie to Godolphin in May.
The Haskell dream is still alive, thanks to Atomic Rain, who stepped up boldly to fill the void left by his departed stablemate.
Atomic Rain ($7) powered to a decisive win Saturday in the $175,000 Long Branch Stakes for 3-year-olds, Monmouth's traditional prep for the Haskell.