OCEANPORT — After Afleet Alex’s dominating performance in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes, the connections for that star 3-year-old may be heading to the Jersey Shore and Monmouth Park to tackle the Haskell Invitational on Aug. 7.
“We’re looking at the Haskell and the Travers [on Aug. 27 at Saratoga] next. We hope to do both,” said Chuck Zacney, managing partner of Cash is King Stable, owners of Afleet Alex.
“Obviously were excited about the prospect of getting Afleet Alex for the Haskell,” said Robert Kulina, vice president and general manager of Monmouth Park. “He has proven that he is a tremendous horse and competitor and it would be great for Monmouth Park and the fans to get to see him race here in New Jersey.”
Afleet Alex, a colt by Northern Afleet from the Hawkster mare Maggy Hawk, has a record of 8-2-1 from 12 starts for earnings of $2,765,800. He has scored Grade 1 wins in the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes and Hopeful.
The Grade 1 $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational, at a mile and an eighth, has produced the Eclipse Award Champion 3-year-old in three of the past four years.
Bravo, Hills back on top in races for top jockey, trainer
With 15 of the 90 days of the 2005 Monmouth Park meet in the books, two familiar faces have emerged atop the standings, with Joe Bravo leading the way in the jockeys’ race and Tim Hills back on top of the trainers’ standings.
Bravo, going for his 11th Monmouth Park title, has 23 victories, three more than Stewart Elliott. Aaron Gryder is third with 12 wins, one more than Chris DeCarlo. C.C. Lopez rounds out the top five with nine trips to the winner’s circle.
Over in the trainers column, last year’s leading trainer, Tim Hills, is back on top with six victories, one more than the trio of Eddie Broome, Jason Servis and Bruce Levine.
Tied for the lead in the owners’ race are Michael Gill, Peter Kazamias, Hardacre Farm LLC, and Gerald Sleeter, each with four victories.
Sports ticket giveaways on tap for Father’s Day Sunday
On Sunday, it’s “Take Dad to the game and the racetrack,” as Monmouth Park celebrates Father’s Day with activities galore on tap for dads.
All dads, and moms, accompanied by a child will receive free grandstand admission. All fans on Father’s Day will receive an entry blank for a chance to win tickets to their favorite professional and local sports teams.
Football legends on hand at the Shore, June 26
Monmouth Park will host a football legends luncheon Sunday, June 26, featuring legendary linebackers from the 1986 and 1990 championship Giants as well as Heisman Trophy winners.
Scheduled to appear are Harry Carson, Carl Banks, Pepper Johnson, Brian Kelley, Brad Van Pelt, Byron Hunt, Gary Reasons, Robbie Jones and Heisman winners Mike Rozier and Dick Kazmaier.
Tickets are $55 and include valet parking, admission and official program, deluxe buffet luncheon, wine, beer and soft drinks, door prizes, gift bags and an afternoon of live thoroughbred racing.