Lookin At Lucky Draws Poor Post for Haskell Invitational - 07-30-10

July 30 - Leading racehorse trainer Bob Baffert had something to frown about this week when his superb charge, Lookin At Lucky, drew post one for Sunday's prestigious $1m Haskell Invitational Stakes (Gr 1) at Monmouth Park.

When it comes to post one, or the rail, as it is known by most horsemen, Baffert has only bad memories where Lookin At Lucky is concerned. In this year's Kentucky Derby for instance, heavy traffic impeded the thoroughbred's progress.

In the coveted Churchill Downs race, traffic forced Lookin At Lucky down into 18th place in the first few furlongs, and although he rallied in the late stages, he could only manage a sixth place, seven lengths behind winner, Super Saver.

So with that memory burned into Baffert's memory, yet again one of his best horses will start one of the biggest races in the nation from the worst post. 'You guys have ruined my morning,' the trainer was quoted as saying after the draw.

'His biggest problem in racing are his draws. He's the most poorly drawn horse I have ever had,' continued Baffert. 'But at least he's managed to do really well. He's just a good horse. Sometimes he overcomes it, sometimes he doesn't.'

Like life, horseracing is not always fair. It just means that Lookin At Lucky's jockey, Martin Garcia, will have to work extra hard to keep the colt out of trouble, and ensure he finds a enough of a gap to reach the finishing line unimpeded.

The Haskell Invitational Stakes, which is open to three-year-olds, is a 1 1/8 mile dirt race with a field of eight runners this year, including Super Saver who will start as the second favorite from post six. Lookin At Lucky is the favorite.

To add to Sunday's excitement, this is the first time a Kentucky Derby winner (Super Saver) and a Preakness Stakes winner (Lookin At Lucky) have met in the Haskell Invitational Stakes, which should make for a great showdown.

Here is the final field and odds for the 2010 Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park in Chicago on Sunday:

1. Lookin At Lucky (KY) 5/2
2. Afleet Again (KY) 12/1
3. Ice Box (KY) 9/2
4. First Dude (FL) 6/1
5. Our Dark Night (KY) 15/1
6. Super Saver (KY) 3/1
7. Uptowncharlybrown (KY) 15/1
8. Trappe Shot (FL) 3/1