From The Associated Press
Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Stable, the new owner of Atomic Rain, has officially decided to send the colt to take on Preakness Stakes (gr. I)-winning filly Rachel Alexandra and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I) at Monmouth Park Aug. 2.
Atomic Rain won the July 11 Long Branch Stakes at Monmouth in his last start, and was subsequently purchased by Godolphin from George and Lori Hall July 21.
The colt's regular rider Joe Bravo will be aboard for the $1.25 million Haskell, which will feature several other top 3-year-olds.
Prior to his 4 3/4-length score in the Long Branch, Atomic Rain finished fourth in the Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct and was runner-up to Old Fashioned in the 1 1/8-mile Remsen Stakes (gr. II), coming off a maiden victory at five furlongs.
Also under consideration for the Haskell are Bunker Hill, Munnings , Papa Clem, Duke of Mischief and Together Indy.
