California invaders Arabian Knight and Geaux Rocket Ride, who will line up in the starting gate against a field of talented sophomores in Saturday's Grade 1, $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, arrived on the backside of the Oceanport, N.J., track early Tuesday evening and were tucked into their respective stalls following an uneventful transcontinental flight from their Southern California base.
Zedan Racing's Arabian Knight, who is conditioned by nine-time Haskell record holder Bob Baffert, and Pin Oak Stable's Geaux Rocket Ride, who is trained by Richard Mandella, were both reported to be in fine form by their connections in advance of the 56th edition of the Haskell Stakes.
Kentucky Derby winner Mage committed to the race earlier Tuesday.
“He got off the van well and looked very good. He had a nice, comfortable trip,” said Jimmy Barnes, the assistant to Hall of Famer Baffert. Barnes will saddle the son of Uncle Mo on Saturday.
“He handled the trip good and he's doing good. Everything went okay. He's happy,” said assistant trainer Jose Contreras, who is overseeing the final preparations for Mandella until the Hall of Famer arrives here on Friday morning.
Barnes said he'll send the undefeated, graded stakes-winning Arabian Knight out first thing on Wednesday morning to stretch his legs over the track and get a feel for his new surroundings.
Exercise rider Erick Garcia will be aboard in the mornings for the rest of the week of preparation and then will turn over the reins to Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez on race day.
Geaux Rocket Ride, winner of the Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita in his last start, will take to the track at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday for an easy gallop. Fellow Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith, who has three Haskell victories on his resume, will jet in from California to pilot Geaux Rocket Ride.
Mage is scheduled to depart Lexington, Ky., where he has been training, and van to Monmouth Park. It is anticipated that Mage will arrive on the backside on Wednesday evening and make his first appearance out on the track Thursday morning.
Extra Anejo and Tapit Trice, trained by Hall of Famers Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher, respectively, Howgreatisnate, Salute the Stars, and Awesome Strong round out the field for the 1 1/8-mile test.
The Haskell is a “Win and You're In” for the $6-million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), 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.
Post positions for the Haskell will be drawn Wednesday, along with the rest of the 14-race card.
In addition to the Haskell, the card will feature the Grade 1, $600,000 United Nations Stakes, the Grade 3, $500,000 Molly Pitcher, the Grade 3, $400,000 Monmouth Cup, and the Grade 3, $300,000 WinStar Matchmaker.
Saturday's first race post is noon, with the estimated post time for the Haskell at 5:47 p.m. ET. NBC Sports will televise live from 5-6 p.m.
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