Dornoch defeats Mindframe again in Haskell, earns spot in Breeders’ Cup Classic

Jul 20, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Saturday’s $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park produced another thrilling stretch tussle between Dornoch and Mindframe, somewhat reminiscent of their one-two finish in the Belmont (G1). But Dornoch was more decisive this time, putting away a wide-traveling Mindframe by 1 1/4 lengths in this “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

A full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) upsetter Mage, who was second in last year’s Haskell, Dornoch once again showed terrific resolve on the front end. Mindframe, widely expected to get the better of Dornoch in the rematch, was dispatched as the 4-5 favorite. Despite collaring Dornoch turning for home, and having every opportunity to put the race away, he could not contain the resurgent pacesetter.

Dornoch, the 3.40-1 third choice, broke better from his rail post than Mindframe, who took a bobbling step out of the gate. The early miscue didn’t appear to matter, for Mindframe swiftly recovered to stalk on the inside.

Meanwhile, Dornoch scampered to the early lead with regular rider Luis Saez. Timberlake, the 3.30 second choice, prompted Dornoch through splits of :23.32 and :48.08 and briefly put his head in front passing six furlongs in 1:12.05. When Mindframe angled out to challenge on the far turn, however, Timberlake could not maintain his position between them, and the Haskell became the rematch it had promised to be.

Mindframe was traveling more readily than Dornoch swinging into the stretch, and grabbing the lead, he looked poised to achieve a new career high. Yet Dornoch was already responding, and thriving, under pressure.

Firing back on the inside while Mindframe continued to race wider out on the track, Dornoch re-asserted himself to win going away. The Danny Gargan trainee negotiated 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.31 and rewarded his loyalists with a win payout of $8.80.

Mindframe settled for a one-paced second, five lengths clear of Timberlake. Next came longshots Just Step on It and Sea Streak, followed by Tuscan Sky and Jasper’s Pride. Champion Fierceness was scratched, as anticipated, in favor of next Saturday’s Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

Dornoch was emulating sire Good Magic, the 2018 Haskell hero, as well as maternal grandsire Big Brown, who captured the 2008 edition during his championship campaign.

Owned by West Paces Racing, R.A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing, and Pine Racing Stables, Dornoch now bankrolled $2,352,275 from his 9-5-2-0 record. Four of those wins have come in stakes, the Remsen (G2) and Fountain of Youth (G2) preceding his Belmont/Haskell double. His only unplaced efforts came in the Blue Grass (G1) and Kentucky Derby, where he never had the chance to deploy his early cruising speed.

Dornoch was bred by Grandview Equine in Kentucky and sold for $325,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. His mother, emerging blue hen Puca, topped last year’s Keeneland November Sale when going to John Stewart for $2.9 million. Puca delivered yet another full brother to Mage and Dornoch this spring.

With the Belmont and Haskell on his resume, Dornoch has staked his claim to leadership of the three-year-old male division going into the Aug. 24 Travers (G1). He might have to face a brand new challenger in that Saratoga feature in star filly Thorpedo Anna, who romped in Saturday’s Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).