In the world of horse racing, every race tells a story, and the upcoming Haskell Stakes is no exception. It's a tale of redemption and the quest for distance from a past flop.
Further Ado, a name that resonates with both promise and a desire to leave the past behind, is set to make a comeback. This horse, with a record of four consecutive favored runs, is eyeing the prestigious Grade 1 Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park.
"The Blue Grass was a significant goal for us," Ned Toffey, Spendthrift's general manager, reflects. "It's not just a prep race; it's an important milestone for the stud barn."
Further Ado's resume boasts an impressive 11-length runaway victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass and a 20-length romp in October, both at Keeneland. However, the Kentucky Derby, the only recent race where he finished off the board, has cast a shadow over these achievements.
"He's demonstrated that he's more than just a Keeneland horse," Toffey asserts. "His wins at Churchill and his Ragozin numbers prove that."
Irad Ortiz Jr., the jockey who has guided Further Ado to all four of his wins, will be back in the saddle. After the Derby, trainer Brad Cox opted for the experienced John Velázquez, who rode Renegade to a second-place finish.
"He broke well in the Matt Winn, which was an improvement from the Derby," Cox notes.
Now, seven weeks and a Grade 3 win later, Further Ado faces familiar expectations. A win in the Haskell could further distance him from the Derby flop.
"From a handicapping perspective, it's not unreasonable to draw a line through the Derby," Toffey explains. "If we do that, we hope he continues to perform as we've seen."
Further Ado's Beyer Speed Figure of 106 for his Blue Grass victory and a 97 for his Matt Winn win showcase his potential.
"He's the fastest two-turn, three-year-old colt in the country," Cox asserts.
In preparation for the Haskell, Further Ado has been training well at Churchill Downs, firing bullets in his workouts. Toffey appreciates the spacing between races and the horse's consistent training.
However, the weather may play a wild card. The smoky heat at the Jersey Shore is expected to give way to rain, which could affect the race.
Further Ado, Napoleon Solo, and The Puma, the top choices, have only raced on fast dirt courses. Iron Honor, the only one with wet-track experience, could have an advantage.
"The Puma has beaten him before, and he's a very good horse," Toffey acknowledges. "Napoleon Solo is also impressive. Further Ado will need to be ready."
If Further Ado performs well, the concerns about his Derby performance might be put to rest.
"I think that's very possible," Toffey concludes.
The Haskell Stakes promises an exciting chapter in Further Ado's journey, where the past meets the present, and the future is yet to be written.
