Mandaloun wins Haskell via disqualification of Hot Rod Charlie

Jul 18, 2021 by James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Mandaloun came up a nose short on the finish line in
Saturday’s $1 million Haskell S. (G1), but the three-year-old was elevated to
first by the Monmouth Park stewards, who disqualified Hot Rod Charlie for
drifting in and clipping heels with Midnight Bourbon in midstretch.

Midnight Bourbon nearly fell after stumbling badly, and
dislodged jockey Paco Lopez, but the Preakness (G1) runner-up managed to stay
on his feet and appeared to escape major injury. Lopez was shaken up, but he is
expected to ride the next day.

It was a tough loss for Belmont S. (G1) runner-up and
Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Hot Rod Charlie, who made contact when crossing over
in-front of a tiring Midnight Bourbon in midstretch.

After settling just off the early pace, Mandaloun patiently waited
for room nearing the completion of the bend. The Juddmonte Farm homebred accelerated
up the inside to challenge for the lead after straightening for home, and an exciting
stretch battle developed with Hot Rod Charlie, who got the jump on his rival
but had to take the overland route entering the stretch.

The duo dueled over the final eighth of a mile before Hot
Rod Charlie put a nose in front on the wire, but any glory was short-lived. The
final time for the 1 1/8-mile race was 1:47.38.

Florent Geroux was up on the Brad Cox-trained Mandaloun, who
was exiting a neck victory in the June 13 Pegasus S. at Monmouth. Two starts
back, the Into Mischief colt finished second in the Kentucky Derby. His first
stakes win came in February’s Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Following Sea, who wound up more than 18 lengths behind
Mandaloun after setting the pace, was awarded second. Antigravity, Pickin’
Time, and Basso came next. Hot Rod Charlie was placed last of seven runners.

Bred in Kentucky, Mandaloun is out of the Group 2-winning Empire Maker mare Brooch.