Haskell 2023: In-depth analysis, pluses, minuses on all 8 horses

The Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile, $1 million Haskell Stakes drew a field of eight 3-year-olds led by Kentucky Derby champion Mage and Arabian Knight, who is trained by the nine-time Haskell winning trainer Bob Baffert.

The Haskell is a win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, with the winner receiving an all-expenses paid trip to the Nov. 4 event at Santa Anita and a guaranteed berth in the starting gate.

Here is a full-field analysis for the Haskell Stakes with the official track morning-line odds. Monmouth Park’s signature race is scheduled as race 12 of 14 with post time set for 5:47 p.m. EDT.

1. Geaux Rocket Ride, Geaux Rocket Ride is lightly raced for Richard Mandella, who does not ship horses to the East Coast very often. He was a debut winner in January at Santa Anita by almost six lengths. The son of Candy Ride stepped up to the San Felipe (G2), where he was second behind the highly regarded Practical Move. Geaux Rocket Ride was off for three months heading into his victory in the Affirmed Stakes. Mandella won the Haskell in 2000 with Dixie Union with the only runner he ever had in the race. He is flashed lots of talent in his three starts. Top choice.

2. Awesome Strong, 3. Salute the Stars, Salute the Stars moved to the barn of Brad Cox after a pair of turf starts, including his maiden victory at Ellis Park as a 2-year-old. Cox, who won the Haskell the last two years, moved Salute the Stars to the main track, where he won twice with neck victories. Last month he won the Pegasus at Monmouth, defeating Kingsbarns who won the Louisiana Derby (G2). The morning-line odds make the son of Candy Ride an attractive betting opportunity. Live long shot.

4. Mage, 5. Tapit Trice, 6. Howgreatisnate, 7. Extra Anejo, 8. Arabian Knight,
Richard Mandella does not ship horses to the East Coast very often, so Geaux Rocket Ride’s presence in the Haskell is attractive. He has tactical speed, which is vital at Monmouth, and will provide good value with odds that may exceed his morning line of 9-2. This son of Candy Ride will be the top choice.