2011 Haskell Invitational Probable Entries

Written by Jake Thompson
Wednesday, 27 July 2011 21:37

The lineup appears set for the 2011 Haskell Invitational, and we’ll preview the probable horses.

We’ve made some nice money on horse racing this year, but until the 2011 Haskell odds are released we are stuck just previewing the probable entries at this time.  Make sure to check back later in the week for our horse racing picks on the Haskell, which is scheduled to be run at Monmouth Park on July 31st.  The race is 1 1/8 miles over dirt, with the entries in the gate for the 5:00 PM ET post time running for a $1,000,000 purse on the ABC channel.

Although much can change before post time of the Haskell Invitational, below are the 8 probable entries that figure to be in the starting gate.  If there are any changes to the Haskell lineup we’ll be sure to post an update to ensure that all of our horse racing aficionados are on the same page.

2011 Haskell Invitational Probable Entries:

Astrology – It’s tough to know what to make of this 3-year-old at this point.  Astrology nearly won the Preakness Stakes with a great run before coming up 6th in the Iowa Derby last time out.  Although that race was a bit of a head scratcher, this horse has proven he can compete with the best and should be a player in the Haskell.

Coil – The son of 2001 Haskell and almost-Triple Crown winner Point Given, Coil is inexperienced but high on talent.  He’s raced on the synthetic surface at Hollywood Park for every career start but I think he’ll transition to the Monmouth Park dirt just fine.  This is a potential spoiler for the better known Haskell entries.

Concealed Identity – Sired by Smarty Jones, Concealed Identity was the winner of the Federico Tesio before finishing 10th in the Preakness Stakes.  He rebounded for a 2nd in the Pegasus last time out and figures to be racing at a nice distance to utilize his closing ability.

J J’s Lucky Train – This horse has hit the board every time over his last 8 races, but none of them were at a distance as long as the Haskell Invitational.  Although he might tire late, it is worth noting that J J’s Lucky Train bested fellow Haskell contender Pants on Fire in early 2011.

Joe Vann – The likely Haskell underdog hasn’t finished better than 3rd over his last 2 starts, but does have a win at this distance in a weaker Illinois Derby field.

Pants on Fire – After a disappointing 9th place finish in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, Pants on Fire rebounded to win the Pegasus Stakes over fellow Haskell probable Concealed Identity.  Reports from Monmouth have been that this horse has been every bit as impressive as Ruler on Ice recently.

Ruler on Ice – The surprised winner of the 2011 Belmont Stakes might have a tougher time if the track isn’t sloppy.  This horse loves the rain and might not be as strong if this recent heat wave continues.

Shackleford – 2011 Preakness Stakes winner hasn’t raced since a 5th place finish in the Belmont Stakes, but the shorter distance of the Haskell should make it easier for this speedy horse to wire the field.