Lookin At Lucky Dominant In Haskell Invitational Win

Added on Aug 02, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

Horse Racing

Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky staked his claim as the best three year old in horse racing with an impressive performance in winning the $1 million Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Sunday. With jockey Martin Garcia aboard, the Bob Baffert trained entrant outlasted a strong field that included Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and the ‘trendy’ three year old of the moment, Trappe Shot. Trappe Shot did hold on to finish second, with First Dude in third.

Lookin At Lucky went off as the post time favorite and completed 1 1/8 miles on a fast main track in 1:49.83. He got a break with the weather—there was some concern about rain in the area but despite threatening clouds and a few sprinkles the race came off without a hitch under overcast skies. Lookin At Lucky paid 4.40, 3.00 and 2.40 with the victory. Trappe Shot paid 3.40 and 2.60 to place and First Due was 3.00 to show. The 1-8 exacta paid $17.20. Local favorite Uptowncharlybrown was scratched the morning before the race due to a fever.

After the race, Bob Baffert praised his charge after Lookin At Lucky shifted into another gear down the stretch and pulled away from the pack to win by four lengths:

“Today he was phenomenal. He broke fine and Martin eased him to the outside. I knew we’d lose a little bit of ground, but that was the winning move. This was really a break-out race.”

“He’s been sitting on a really big race. He’s been training just unbelievably. It’s good to see him finally come out of his shell. He’s growing up and he stamped himself as a great horse.”

Winning jockey Martin Garcia explained Baffert’s pre race instructions:

“Bob told me `you know you’re on the best horse, just give him a nice breather and then send him.”

Lookin At Lucky could be back in action on August 28 for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga where he’ll once again tangle with Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. Baffert said after the race that he wasn’t sure of the next move, though the Travers is the most obvious option.

This was Lookin At Lucky’s first start since the Preakness victory. It was also the second start with Martin Garcia aboard, who is now two for two since replacing Garrett Gomez.