OCEANPORT — Led by the $1 million Haskell Invitational Handicap on Aug. 8, top thoroughbreds will compete for $3.350 million in graded stakes when Monmouth Park opens its 72-day season May 29.
The Haskell serves as the first major goal for 3-year-olds following the Triple Crown. This was evident last year when the Bobby Frankel-trained Peace Rules, third in the Kentucky Derby, defeated Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide. Funny Cide became the third 3-year-old Eclipse champion in a row to compete in the Haskell, following Haskell winners War Emblem and Point Given.
"We’ve stamped the Haskell as a race not to be missed on the road to the 3-year-old Eclipse award. It’s a tremendous day for racing and the State of New Jersey," said George Zoffinger, president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
The other Grade 1 race on the schedule, the $750,000 United Nations on July 3, remains a spot for the country’s top turf runners.
The U.N. was first contested in 1953 at Atlantic City Racecourse and has been won by such prominent horses as Manila, Fort Marcy and Dr. Fager. Balto Star won last year’s contest after a thrilling stretch battle, defeating four Grade 1 winners separated by only three and a half lengths.
"Last year’s running of the U.N. showcased the best turf runners in the country, as it has throughout history. We look forward to continuing the trend," said Bruce Garland, senior vice president of racing.
The traditional Memorial Day weekend opening begins the stakes season with the $100,000 Red Bank Handicap (G3) and the $100,000 Jersey Derby (G3), known as the oldest Derby in the nation, first contested in 1864. Next up is the $100,000 Jersey Shore Breeders Cup (G3) for 3-year-olds at six furlongs on June 26. The New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year, Gators n Bears, took the 2003 running.
The July Fourth weekend will spotlight two outstanding stakes in the $750,000 United Nations (G1) and the $300,000 Molly Pitcher Breeders Cup Handicap (G2) for fillies and mares 3 years and up. Edward P. Evans’ Grade 1 winner, Summer Colony, avenged her second-place finish in 2002 to capture the 2003 running with jockey Gary Stevens up.
The $100,000 Eatontown Handicap (G3) will be run Saturday, July 10, for fillies and mares 3 years old and up on turf. The following Saturday, July 17, is the running of the $100,000 Long Branch Breeders Cup (G3), which traditionally serves as one of the prep races for the $1 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday, Aug. 8.
Sunday, July 25, is the $100,000 Salvator Mile (G3), a popular spot for older horses going a flat mile.
Haskell Day not only showcases the $1 million Haskell Invitational for 3-year-olds but presents two turf races for older horses in the $100,000 Matchmaker Handicap (G3) for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Oceanport Handicap (G3) at a mile and a 16th.
The $200,000 Monmouth Breeders Cup Oaks (G2) returns from a one-year hiatus on Sunday, Aug. 15, for 3-year-old fillies, at a mile and a 16th. First run in 1871, the oldest Oaks in America has hosted recent champion Silverbulletday and Breeders Cup Distaff winners Spain and Unbridled Elaine. Finishing out the schedule is the $200,000 Philip H. Iselin Breeders Cup Handicap (G3) on Aug. 21 and the $100,000 Sapling (G3) for 2-year-olds at six furlongs.