INTERNATIONAL RACING REVIEW - HASKELL STAKES

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The Haskell Stakes was supposed to answer one question facing American racing: beyond Golden Tempo, who is the best three-year-old in the country? Instead, Monmouth Park produced one of the biggest upsets of the season, leaving the division looking more open than ever ahead of the Breeders' Cup.

Few gave Baby Vino much chance beforehand, but the colt proved that familiarity with Monmouth Park, combined with a perfectly judged ride, could bridge the gap to the established stars. Having produced an eye-catching performance over the track a month earlier, he arrived with proven form at the venue, although this represented a significant rise in class.

Jorge Vargas Jr settled his mount into a smooth rhythm throughout, never appearing flustered despite the testing, sloppy conditions. Turning for home, Baby Vino hugged the inside rail before engaging Preakness winner Napoleon Solo in a prolonged duel. While the pair pulled clear of their rivals, Baby Vino always looked to have a little more in reserve, finding generously under pressure to edge clear in the closing stages. It was a landmark afternoon for both trainer Lindsay Schultz and Vargas Jr, with the pair recording their first Grade One success in a historic victory.

Napoleon Solo lost little in defeat. The Preakness winner again demonstrated his toughness and consistency, finishing three lengths clear of the remainder, and there was plenty in the performance to suggest he remains one of the leading dirt colts of his generation.

The biggest disappointment came from Kentucky Derby runner Further Ado, who was sent off the 6/5 favourite. He travelled comfortably for much of the contest but failed to pick up when Irad Ortiz Jr asked for his effort, fading tamely when the race began in earnest. Given the regard in which he is held, this was a below-par performance that leaves connections with questions to answer.

Returning from an absence after missing the Kentucky Derby, The Puma never looked comfortable. A stumble leaving the stalls immediately put him on the back foot, and he was unable to recover or land a meaningful challenge. Iron Honour stayed on well enough to finish third without ever threatening the front two, while Ocelli failed to fire in last. Rank outsider Star Sweeper performed much as his 76/1 odds suggested.

The Haskell has transformed the outlook for the American three-year-old division. Rather than confirming an established pecking order, it has thrown fresh intrigue into the championship picture. Baby Vino now earns an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland, where he will face the best older dirt horses in training. Whether this performance marks the arrival of a genuine top-class colt or a horse who simply excelled under ideal conditions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road to the Breeders' Cup has become considerably more fascinating. written by Andrew Nicoll