August 2 - While trainer Bob Baffert was worried about Lookin At Lucky's post 1 draw for Saturday's $1-million Haskell Invitational Stakes (Gr 1) at Monmouth Park, he didn't need to be as the 3-year-old colt crossed the line first by a mile.

Martin Garcia rode Lookin At Lucky to perfection, taking him wide right from the start of the 1 1/8 mile race. He kept him wide coming into the far turn, and then dispatched leaders First Dude and 2010 Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver.

A late challenge from Trappe Shot was simply no match for Lookin At Lucky as he comfortably romped home in first place, at least four lengths clear of Trappe Shot who held on for second place, and in turn led in First Dude in third place.

For the more than 40,000 racegoers that packed into Monmouth Park on Saturday, the 2010 Invitational Stakes packed the punch it promised. And for any punters unsure of how good Lookin At Lucky actually is, the win spoke for itself.

'He was phenomenal,' said a highly excited Baffert after the race. 'He broke fine and Martin eased him to the outside. I knew that we'd lose a little bit of ground, but that was the winning move. This was really a break-out race for him.'

And the trainer had another reason to smile. This year's Haskell Invitational Stakes victory was his record fourth in the last decade, his other three Haskell winners being Roman Ruler (2005), War Emblem (2002) and Point Given (2001).

Owned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Lookin At Lucky has won 8 of his 11 starts and chalked up total career earnings of $2,713,000, including the $600,000 first prize he picked up at Monmouth Park on Saturday.

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2011/12/09 12:47:22 AM