Dornoch, Mindframe rematch on tap in Haskell

Jul 18, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Last time out in the Belmont (G1), Dornoch repelled an inexperienced Mindframe by a half-length. The two are set to fight it out again in Saturday’s $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park, a “Win and You’re In” contest offering a free ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Dornoch, a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) star Mage, had been a prominent player on the 2024 trail himself. The Danny Gargan trainee scored a gutsy, front-running victory in last fall’s Remsen (G2) and followed up in more straightforward fashion in the March 2 Fountain of Youth (G2). But Dornoch’s Derby credentials took a hit when he was a non-threatening fourth in the Blue Grass (G1). Hopes of a rebound in the Run for the Roses were dashed by early trouble from his rail post, and he never had a realistic chance when checking in 10th.

Overlooked at 17-1 in the Belmont, Dornoch reminded his doubters just what he can do with a clean, forwardly-placed trip. The bay battled to a new career high, becoming an historic second U.S. classic winner produced by his dam (mother), Puca.

On Saturday, Dornoch will try to emulate his sire, champion Good Magic, and Puca’s sire, champion Big Brown, by adding the Haskell to his resume. He’s drawn the rail with regular pilot Luis Saez, but that shouldn’t be as challenging a post as it was in the Derby. If he succeeds, Dornoch would go one better than older brother Mage, the runner-up in last summer’s Haskell. A Belmont-Haskell double would also give Dornoch pro tem divisional leadership, at least heading into the Aug. 24 Travers (G1).

Here is the field for the $1 million G1 Haskell Stakes, a @BreedersCup #WinAndYoureIn race for the Breeders' Cup Classic! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zfGkyQKGVC

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But Mindframe has a strong case to turn the tables, making him the 9-5 morning line favorite for the Haskell. Unlike Dornoch, who had seven starts under his belt going into the Belmont, Mindframe had raced just twice. The Todd Pletcher pupil won his Gulfstream Park maiden, and Churchill Downs allowance, so easily that he didn’t learn much about combat. The Belmont marked the first time that he had to engage with another serious rival, and he wandered around under left-handed urging at the decisive point. Mindframe straightened up, but it was too late, and Dornoch took advantage.

Expected to benefit from that learning experience, Mindframe isn’t likely to commit the same rookie mistake again. The cutback to 1 1/8 miles in the Haskell could also help his cause, considering that he didn’t have much foundation ahead of the 1 1/4-mile Belmont.

Pletcher has two other entrants in Fierceness and Tuscan Sky. Note that Fierceness, last year’s champion juvenile, is reportedly anticipated to scratch – unless Mindframe defects. The two have ownership in common, Repole Stable, and Mike Repole may opt to withdraw homebred Fierceness rather than run him against Mindframe, whom he campaigns with St. Elias Stables.

Fierceness, like Dornoch, didn’t put his best foot forward in the Kentucky Derby when tiring to 15th. But he’s capable of a spectacular showing in the right circumstances, as evidenced by his Eclipse Award-clinching romp in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and his 13-length rout of the Florida Derby (G1). Pegged as the joint second choice on the Haskell morning line at 5-2, alongside Dornoch, Fierceness may yet opt to wait for next Saturday’s Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

No such uncertainty surrounds Spendthrift Farm’s Tuscan Sky, who booked his Haskell spot with a runaway victory in the June 15 Pegasus S. at this track. Javier Castellano rides Tuscan Sky back, while Mindframe keeps Irad Ortiz Jr., and John Velazquez is again named aboard Fierceness.

Arguably the forgotten horse in the Haskell is Timberlake, who dropped off the Triple Crown trail after a disappointing fourth in the March 30 Arkansas Derby (G1). Trained by Brad Cox, the son of leading sire Into Mischief sports major wins in the Champagne (G1) and Rebel (G2), and a return to form would put him squarely in contention here.

Sea Streak flopped behind Tuscan Sky last out in the Pegasus, but two starts back, the New Jersey-bred dominated the Long Branch S. Rounding out the field are longshots Just Step on It and Jasper’s Pride.

Carded as the 12th race on Saturday, with a post time of 5:45 p.m. ET, the Haskell is supported by five other stakes. You can watch and wager on all the action from Monmouth Park on TwinSpires.com.