Headline Weekend’s Top Graded Stakes Races

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Haskell Stakes weekend at Monmouth Park is set to deliver opportunities for offtrack betting this next Saturday and Sunday. The weekend promises intense competition and exciting horse racing odds, with several graded stakes races lined up in the horse racing schedule. 

Saturday’s Action

Haskell Stakes (G1): The main event at Monmouth Park features a competitive field of 3-year-olds vying for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Fierceness aims for redemption following his Kentucky Derby disappointment. 

Fresh off his Belmont Stakes victory, Dornoch has been prepping at Saratoga and looks strong with a recent breeze. Timberlake’s first start since March adds another layer of excitement. 

Other contenders include Mindframe, Tuscan Sky, and Sea Streak. Notably, Bob Baffert, a nine-time Haskell winner, will not have an entry this year.

United Nations Stakes (G2): This 1 3/8 mile turf race for 3-year-olds and up features Fort Washington, the recent winner of the Monmouth Stakes (G3). 

Tawny Port and Webslinger are also in the mix, each looking to make a statement. Emmanuel, a Canadian Turf (G3) winner, seeks to improve on his recent performances in the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) and the Arlington (G3).

Monmouth Cup (G3): Tapit Trice returns to the track for the first time since August, aiming to make an impact. Highland Falls, fresh off a win in the Blame (G3), poses a significant challenge. Stage Raider and Surface to Air add depth to this competitive field, each with its unique paths to this race.

Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3): Featuring fillies and mares, this 1 1/16 mile race includes Idiomatic, who narrowly missed a win in the Ogden Phipps (G1)—Kathleen O and Soul of an Angel, both strong contenders. Misty Veil rounds out this competitive field to look for her first graded-stakes win.

Matchmaker Stakes (G3): Chad Brown’s trio of Delahay, Tax Implications, and Maman Joon leads this 1 1/8 mile turf race. Delahay comes off a win in the Mint Julep (G3), while Tax Implications and Maman Joon were recently 1-2 in the Eatontown (G3). Surprisingly, Papilio adds further competition.

Excitement at Saratoga and Del Mar

At Saratoga, the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) highlights the day. Thorpedo Anna aims for her fourth consecutive graded win, facing off against Leslie’s Rose and Candied. Intricate and Barbratina add to the depth of this talented field.

The Lake George Stakes (G3) features 3-year-old fillies on the turf. Lemon Muffin attempts to break a losing streak, while Oversubscribed and Vive Veuve look to continue their strong performances. Sweet Rebecca seeks redemption after a tough trip in her last race.

Del Mar starts its summer meet with the San Clemente Stakes (G2). Notable entries include Honeymoon Stakes (G2) winner Circle of Trust and runner-up Sakura Blossom. The competitive field also includes Loterie and Zona Verde, aiming to make their mark.

Sunday’s Lineup

Saratoga’s Sunday lineup features the Shuvee Stakes (G2) for fillies and mares. Raging Sea, coming off a fourth-place finish in the Ogden Phipps, looks to rebound. 

Just Katherine and Venti Valentine, both strong contenders, add to the excitement. Venti Valentine, also listed for the Molly Pitcher, boasts a consistent record and impressive recent performances.