Baffert Seeks 10th Haskell Win With Taiba

Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Taiba , who was recently reunited with trainer Bob Baffert, is headed to Monmouth Park for the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes (G1) as the Hall of Fame conditioner looks to extend his record with a 10th victory in the grade 1 event for 3-year-olds.

The 1 1/8-mile Haskell, which will be contested for the 55th time July 23, is a "Win and You're In" race in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series with the victor guaranteed a spot in the starting gate for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 5 at Keeneland.

"I hadn't seen him in a long time. I'm happy with the way he looks," said Baffert, who earlier this month welcomed Taiba back into his barn after he served a 90-day suspension for a medication violation involving Medina Spirit, who crossed the wire first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and was later disqualified. 

"I worked Taiba today, and he worked really well. He came out of it well. He's happy. I'm happy with him."

Taiba (pronounced Tay-buh) covered five furlongs July 15 in :59 2/5, pulling past his workmate.

Work of the Day from @santaanitapark, Taiba (Outside), 59.40, and Varda, 1:00.00, worked 5 Furlongs on July 15th, 2022, for trainer Bob Baffert. Taiba is expected to make his next start in the Grade 1 #HaskellStakes from @MonmouthPark on July 23rd. @1stbet pic.twitter.com/qHu6S0ZYoI

— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) July 15, 2022

The $1.7 million 2-year-old purchase by Zedan Racing Stables ran 12th in the Kentucky Derby in his third career start. After a maiden win for Baffert, the Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby starts came for trainer Tim Yakteen.

"He's a special horse. He was asked to do a tall task in the Derby. The Derby was crazy. It was a stampede," Baffert said.

Taiba will be Baffert's 16th Haskell entrant since 1997 and included on the roster of his record nine winners are 2015 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year American Pharoah   and 2020 Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year Authentic  . Champion Point Given earned Baffert's first Haskell trophy in 2001.

"The Haskell is a very important race. I remember going there the first time and seeing the names of those horses who had won it before. It's always been an important race," said Baffert. "As a matter of fact, when you're thinking of your Kentucky Derby horse you're always thinking, 'Okay, I need a Derby horse, and who's going to be my Haskell horse?'

"That's why we've been lucky in this race. I always send the best ones. You're getting the best one (again this year)."

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who was in the irons for the Santa Anita Derby and the Kentucky Derby, gets the return call on Taiba. Smith is seeking his fourth Haskell win after finding the winner's circle with Authentic (2020), Coronado's Quest (1998), and Hall of Famer Holy Bull (1994).

"It's going to be a tough race, but it's supposed to be a tough race," said Baffert, who will ship Taiba from his Southern California base to the Jersey Shore July 19. "I hope he runs well. I think he will."

As of Friday afternoon, in addition to Taiba, probable entrants in the Haskell are grade 1 winners Cyberknife , Jack Christopher , and White Abarrio  for trainers Brad Cox, Chad Brown, and Saffie Joseph Jr., respectively, the Dale Romans-trainee Howling Time , and Benevengo , a recent winner in allowance company last out for the locally-based trainer Jesus Cruz. 

The field for the Haskell will be drawn July 20.