Monday, July 29, 2013 |
Displaying tremendous power and athleticism, Verrazano romped by a record 9 3/4 lengths in the Haskell Invitational S. (G1) at Monmouth Park this past Sunday. The dazzling performance was underscored with a remarkable 116 beyer speed figure, propelling Verrazano back atop the three-year-old division.
Sent off as the post time favorite in a seven horse-field, Verrazano bobbled slightly at the break from the outside post but was quick into stride as jockey John Velazquez angled Verrazano towards the rail. Making their way through the first turn, Velazquez and Verrazano founda good spot early about a length back off Oxbow (5) who ran the opening quarter mile in :23.90.
Velazquez and Verrazano then challenged Oxbow (5) after an easy 1/2 mile in :48.22, going head-and-head down the backstretch. As they hit far trun, Power Broker (4) edged up outside Verrazano's hip, prompting Velazquez to urge "Big V" after they ran 3/4 of a mile in 1:12.43.
Taking the lead through the turn and full of run as they hit the top of the stretch, Verrazano opened up a half dozen lengths on Power Broker (4) in spectacular fashion hitting the wire 9 3/4 lengths in front. The final time for the 1 1/8 miles distance was 1:50.68, and the winning margin was a new Haskell record.
Verrazano shipped back to Saratoga early this morning and arrived in good order. We'll watch him train over the next 7-10 days with an eye on the Travers S. (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday, August 24th. The Travers will surely present a tough task for Verrazano with both Orb and Palice Malice pointing for the "Mid Summer Derby."
To watch a Race ReplayCLICK HERE