The 59th running of the Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes was a thrilling spectacle, but it was Baby Vino who emerged as the unlikely champion in a dramatic upset. This race, held at Monmouth Park on July 18, featured a stellar field of seven, including a Grade 1 winner and three other colts with Grade 1 placements. However, the race took an unexpected turn when Baby Vino, a son of Vino Rosso, flourished on a sloppy, sealed track, outdueling the favorite, Napoleon Solo, in the stretch to register a 28-1 upset. This victory holds even greater significance as Baby Vino's trainer, Lindsay Schultz, became the first woman trainer ever to win the Haskell, marking a historic moment in the sport.
Baby Vino's journey to victory began with a commanding win in the Pegasus Stakes on Haskell Preview Day, where he showcased a dazzling speed figure that made him competitive despite his longshot odds. Schultz's decision to enter Baby Vino in the Haskell was a calculated move, and her faith in the colt's abilities proved justified. The next step in Baby Vino's career remains uncertain, but the possibility of a start in the Travers Stakes and the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic looms large.
The Haskell Stakes, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series 'Win and You're In' qualifying race, has earned Baby Vino a spot in the prestigious Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. This achievement highlights the potential for Baby Vino to make a significant impact in the fall championship race. For now, Schultz and her team are relishing the sweet taste of victory, acknowledging the magnitude of Baby Vino's performance in the mud, a surface he had never encountered before.
The race itself was a showcase of speed and determination. Napoleon Solo, the speedy favorite, grabbed the early lead, setting a comfortable pace. However, Baby Vino, under the skilled guidance of jockey Jorge Vargas Jr., joined Napoleon Solo on the inside on the final turn, setting the stage for a fierce battle down the lane. The bumping in the stretch led to a steward's inquiry, but the order of finish remained unchanged, with Baby Vino ($58.00 to win) edging away to secure the biggest Haskell upset since 1985.
The race's outcome sparked a range of reactions. While Baby Vino's victory was celebrated, Napoleon Solo's trainer, Chad Summers, expressed disappointment, acknowledging the challenges of racing in less-than-ideal conditions. The race's result also highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Iron Honor, The Puma, Further Ado, Star Sweeper, and the maiden Ocelli finishing in the subsequent positions.
Baby Vino's victory in the Haskell Stakes is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing. It serves as a reminder that even the longest of shots can materialize, and it marks a significant achievement for women in the sport, with Lindsay Schultz becoming a trailblazer for female trainers. As Baby Vino's career continues to unfold, the racing world eagerly anticipates the colt's future endeavors, hoping for more memorable moments in the sport.
