Authentic was installed as the 4-5 morning line favorite to extend trainer Bob Baffert’s record for victories in the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes following the July 15 post position draw for Monmouth Park’s showcase race.
A field of seven horses will contest the 53rd edition of the Haskell on July 18 at the thoroughbred track in Oceanport. Authentic drew post position 2 for the mile-and-an-eighth Grade 1 race, according to a press release.
Unbeaten in his first three career starts, Authentic was second to Honor A.P. in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in his last start on June 6.
Baffert has won the Haskell a record eight times, doing so in 2015 (American Pharoah), 2014 (Bayern), 2012 (Paynter), 2011 (Coil), 2010 (Lookin at Lucky), 2005 (Roman Ruler), 2002 (War Emblem) and 2001 (Point Given).
Dr Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, was made the 5-2 second choice by Monmouth Park oddsmaker Brad Thomas.
In his most recent start, Dr Post finished second in the Belmont Stakes on July 20. The son of Quality Road-Mary Delaney by Hennessy drew post position 1.
Authentic and Dr Post will be joined in the Haskell field by Jesus’ Team, Ancient Warrior, Fame to Famous, Lebda and Ny Traffic.
In a first for the race, the Haskell will offer points for the Kentucky Derby, with 100 going to the winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 for third and 10 for fourth. In addition, the Haskell has been designated as a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
BetMakers, in partnership with Monmouth Park, is also sponsoring a $1 million bonus for any horse that wins the Haskell, the Kentucky Derby (Sept. 5) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (Nov. 7).
First race post on Haskell Day, which includes the Grade 1 United Nations, is noon. NBC will televise the Haskell Day card from 5-6 p.m. as part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing.”