The name doesn’t matter.
Last year, it was the Haskell Invitational. This year, it’s the TVG.com Haskell Stakes. Others prefer the nickname “The War on the Shore.”
However it’s known, Monmouth Park‘s premier race will be held Saturday in Oceanport, New Jersey. The TVG.com Haskell Stakes has a distance of nine furlongs (1 1/8 miles), a $1 million purse and is a notable part of the Breeder’s Cup Challenge Series.
Saturday’s winner also receives an automatic paid entry into the $6 million Breeder’s Cup on Nov. 7 at Keeneland.
How to bet on the Haskell Stakes in Pennsylvania
Although the TVG.com Haskell Stakes will only feature seven horses, there are plenty of horse betting opportunities for the race, and for the races surrounding the big one.
Bettors in Pennsylvania can make wagers at their local racetracks, off-track betting locations that are open and online via FanDuel Racing and TVG (PA Bets Horse Racing).
Authentic is the favorite heading into Saturday’s race
As noted in this racing preview at The Lines, the Bob Baffert-trained Authentic is the early favorite to capture the race. Authentic won his first three races and finished second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. Although stamina is a slight concern (the horse lost the Santa Anita race in the homestretch), Authentic enters Saturday’s contest as a 4-5 favorite.
Dr. Post also has strong odds heading into the Haskell race. The horse finished second in the Belmont Stakes in June and appears to be improving over time. At press time, Dr. Post held 5-2 odds.
Ny Traffic is another horse receiving some hype as the race approaches. According to The Lines, Ny Traffic has posted his best speed numbers in his two most recent races and also finished second in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
The remaining horses and their odds are as follows.
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Post | 5-2 |
| 2 | Authentic | 4-5 |
| 3 | Jesus’ Team | 15-1 |
| 4 | Ancient Warrior | 20-1 |
| 5 | Fame to Famous | 30-1 |
| 6 | Lebda | 20-1 |
| 7 | NY Traffic | 7-2 |
Haskell Stakes features four horses headed to the Kentucky Derby
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kentucky Derby has been moved to September this year. So Saturday’s Haskell Stakes will provide something of an early preview.
TheLines expects that at least four of the horses from Saturday’s race will also appear in the Derby two months later.
Where to watch Haskell Stakes, other Grade 3 races Saturday
The TVG.com Haskell Stakes will be broadcast on NBC starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, with post time expected at 5:45 p.m.
The early action at Monmouth Park will feature four Grade 3 races.
But the main event is the “War on the Shore,” or, according to some, “The Shore’s Greatest Stretch.”
Most just know it as the Haskell Stakes.
But none of the terms really matter too much.
A race by any of the names is just as sweet.
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