‘Geaux’ Rockets to Haskell Victory

[Wandering Eyes]

This year's GI Haskell was flattered by a GI Kentucky Derby winner in Mage (Good Magic), an undefeated $2.3 million OBS purchase in Arabian Knight (Uncle) in addition to this season's GI Toyota Blue Grass S. winner Tapit Trice (Tapit), who realized a healthy $1.3 million at Keeneland last September. However, it was Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella who pulled the rabbit out of his hat with Geaux Rocket Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}), who sprang the upset when coming from off the pace to best the Derby winner at odds of 12-1 in the 'Win and You're In' test for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar this November.

Settled off a sharp early pace set by first Awesome Strong (Awesome Slew) and then Arabian Knight, the Pin Oak Stud runner squared off with Mage in the stretch, repelled that rival late and proved comfortably best to win by two lengths. Arabian Knight rounded out the trifecta. Final time for the nine-furlong test was 1:49.52. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $780,200. O-Pin Oak Stud. B-OXO Equine LLC (KY). T-Richard Mandella.

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