Pegasus Dominates Haskell Preview Day at Monmouth
A trio of Grade III winners and the second-best New Jersey-bred 3-year-old in training are gearing up to compete in the NYRABets Pegasus S., the final local prep race for the prestigious Haskell Invitational S. Among the contenders is the locally co-owned Hades, who boasts a perfect three-for-three record and is looking to make a strong comeback after a series of mixed results in previous races.
Trainer Joe Orseno is optimistic about Hades’ chances in the upcoming race, having addressed a minor issue that affected the horse’s performance in past events. With the correction made, Orseno believes that Hades is in excellent form and ready to showcase his potential on the track once again.
Another contender to watch is Domestic Product, who earned a spot in the GI Kentucky Derby but fell short with a 13th place finish. Now redirected to the Pegasus S., Domestic Product is expected to deliver a solid performance, especially given his current freshness and suitability for the race distance.
Uncle Heavy, the hulking winner of the GIII Withers S., faces a tougher challenge following his recent finishes in the Wood Memorial S. and the Preakness S. Despite the odds, Uncle Heavy remains a formidable competitor in the upcoming race.
Sea Streak, a standout in New Jersey breeding circles, aims to build on his recent victory in the Long Branch S. With Jairo Rendon in the saddle, Sea Streak is poised to continue his winning streak and secure another impressive win for trainer Eddie Owens, Jr.
Tuscan Sky, who showed promise in his initial career starts, seeks redemption after a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Wood Memorial S. Trainer Todd Pletcher has made adjustments for Tuscan Sky’s next race, adding blinkers to enhance the horse’s focus and performance on the track.
In addition to the Pegasus S., the Haskell Preview Day at Monmouth features three graded events that promise thrilling competition for horse racing enthusiasts. The afternoon’s lineup includes the GIII Eatontown S., the GIII Monmouth S., and the GIII Salvator Mile S., each showcasing top contenders in their respective fields.
Meanwhile, in New York, the GII Bed O’ Roses S. presents an exciting showdown between Flying Connection, Shidabhuti, and Leave No Trace, offering a competitive spectacle for fans of the sport.
As anticipation builds for the Haskell Invitational S. in the coming weeks, the Pegasus S. serves as a crucial stepping stone for contenders to test their skills and form ahead of the prestigious race. With a mix of seasoned winners and rising stars in the lineup, Saturday’s race at Monmouth is set to deliver an action-packed and memorable showcase of top-tier horse racing talent.