Peachtree Stable's First Spear, stabled in trainer Todd Pletcher's barn at Monmouth, galloped 1 1/8 miles this morning. His connections will not make final decision on his starting status until entry time Friday.
Classic winner Point Given, the favorite for Sunday's Haskell Invitational (gr. I), arrived at Monmouth Park's Barn 15 at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after being vanned from Newark Airport.Larry Damore, trainer Bob Baffert's assistant who rides Point Given in morning gallops, said the colt did not have any problems on the flight from his California base.Baffert is winless in his three attempts at the Haskell, although those horses each hit the board. Baffert was second in the 1997 Haskell with Anet, third with Forestry in 1999, and Captain Steve finished second last year.Post-positions for the Haskell will be drawn at noon Friday. Jamaican Rum, who arrived at Monmouth Tuesday, galloped 1 1/2 miles this morning. Jorge Alvarez, assistant to trainer Jim Cassidy, said the trainer is due in tomorrow and could breeze Jamaican Rum Friday. Corey Nakatani will have the mount on Jamaican Rum for the Haskell, replacing Eddie Delahoussaye. John Oxley's Hero's Tribute galloped at Saratoga Thursday morning. He will be vanned to Monmouth today, with assistant trainer Yvonne Azeff. Trainer John Ward will arrive Saturday night along with the Oxleys.Stonerside Stables This Fleet Is Due, who had his final breeze at Saratoga on Tuesday, galloped this morning. He will be vanned to Monmouth Saturday morning, and trainer Bill Mott will be on hand to saddle him for the Haskell.
