Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, is abuzz with anticipation. As the $1 million Haskell Stakes draws near, the hype surrounding a lightly raced colt is about to be tested. Arabian Knight is a 3-year-old thoroughbred with immense talent and sky-high expectations.

Under the expert guidance of Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Arabian Knight has been designated the 5-2 morning-line favorite for the prestigious Grade 1 race. He is set to take on seven other top-notch 3-year-olds over a challenging 11/8 miles.

Arabian Knight’s equestrian brilliance

Arabian Knight boasts a short but impressive equestrian resume. He missed the entire 2023 Triple Crown series but delivered sensational performances in his only two starts. His maiden special weight event on the Breeders’ Cup undercard at Keeneland last November left spectators in awe. As he galloped to victory, showcasing his prowess with an astounding 7 1/4 length lead. Later in January, he solidified his position as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby, dominating the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas with a commanding 5 1/2-length victory. However, since that triumph, the Arabian Knight has been on a brief hiatus. Preparing for the Haskell Stakes under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

The talented colt will be ridden by none other than three-time Kentucky Derby winner John Velazquez, who claimed victory in the 2023 Preakness Stakes atop another of Baffert’s stars, National Treasure. Speaking to Paulick Report about Arabian Knight, Baffert said, “He’s doing really well. He’s pretty fit. I think he’s ready for the mile and an eighth and it’s going to be a tough race, but he’s trained well.”

Baffert, who is a two-time winner of the Haskell, is looking to add to his record nine wins in the race. With over $544,000 in career winnings, Arabian Knight is a splendid son of champion sire Uncle Mo. He was purchased by Zedan Racing Stables for a staggering $2.3 million. His challengers include 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Tapit Trice, who won the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in April. These two horses will be racing to stain the Arabian Knight’s perfect record.

Ones to watch for Arabian Knight

2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage is another frontrunner for the upcoming Haskell Stakes. He will be racing for the first time since finishing third in the Preakness Stakes on May 20. Also running in the Haskell is Tapit Trice, who finished seventh in the Run for the Roses and third in the Belmont Stakes. After putting in an impressive performance in Belmont Stakes, Tapit Rice breezed a half-mile in 49:90 at the Belmont Stakes training track.

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The Haskell is the first major stakes race of the summer, and it is sure to be a competitive race. Arabian Knight is a clear favorite, but Mage and Tapit Trice are both dangerous horses. It should be a thrilling race, and it will be interesting to see if the Arabian Knight can live up to the hype.

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