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Haskell Invitational: Nyquist, Exaggerator Rivalry Continues

Sunday’s G1 $1 million Betfair.com Haskell Invitational at Monmouth marks the return of Nyquist after a third place finish in the Preakness and a two month rest.

He’ll open as the 6-5 favorite to go the 1 1/8 miles, a distance he last conquered in the G1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream where he was impressive in victory on his way to winning the Kentucky Derby before a rainy afternoon at Pimlico squashed the chances of a Triple Crown repeat.

Nyquist vs. Exaggerator in Haskell Invitational

The rivalry that began last October when Nyquist took the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile over fourth place finisher Exaggerator and continued thru the first two legs of the 2016 Triple Crown series will again be on stage as they face off in the Haskell Invitational on Sunday.

The Haskell is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event with the winner earning a guaranteed spot in the Classic at Santa Anita later this year.

With the exception of the sloppy track Preakness, Nyquist has owned Exaggerator winning three of the four times they’ve met on a fast track.

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Given the history of the Haskell, the winners have been on or setting the pace and the heavy favorite. The lone exceptions over the past eight years was the 2011 running when Coil came from last to circle the field to beat front-running Shackleford, and in 2010 when Lookin at Lucky was mid-pack through most of the race — both for Baffert who will be seeking to break his own record of 7 wins in the Haskell with American Freedom on Sunday.

American Freedom is 3 for 4 lifetime with earnings of $246,000 including a G3 win in the Iowa Derby last time out. He’ll have his hands full in the Haskell and would be as big a win for Baffert as Coil’s ’11 victory, if he’s able.

Haskell Invitational Winners

Watch replays of the Haskell Invitational

Free Brisnet PPs for the Haskell

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