The favorites did what they were supposed to do in the weekend’s big races for three-year-males. First Alpha showed a new dimension by hustling right out to the front in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes, before easily holding an early in the stretch challenge from Neck ‘n Neck at bay to win by two lengths in the Saratoga slop. Then one day later, Paynter did what any self-respecting Bob Baffert charge is supposed to do at the Jersey Shore … he won the million dollar Haskell Invitational. The much more impressive of the two, Paynter rolled home in the grade 1 affair by nearly four lengths to stamp himself as the clear favorite for next month’s Travers. But wait a minute, It feels like we are forgetting about someone. What about Hansen?
The 2011 Champion 2-year-old was nowhere to be seen on the big Haskell-Jim Dandy weekend, waiting instead for a date at Mountaineer Racetrack for the $750,000 West Virginia Derby. Does this mean fun-loving owner, Dr. Kendall Hansen feared that his great white hope could not handle the heat emanating from the Monmouth and Saratoga kitchens? Hell no, says Doc Hansen. Here is most of what he had to say about the subject a few days ago on Horse Racing Nation…
”Our goal is to reestablish Hansen as the top of his crop in training. We chose the Travers (Grade 1) to beat the best of the best because everyone will be there. I look forward to running against Bodemeister, Paynter, Dullahan, Alpha, Teeth of the Dog, Neck and Neck, etc., that is the most important 3 year old race left this year and my trainer says it may compromise our chances to run 2 tough races back to back. I also want my horse to remain sound, which seems to be a problem for many this year. Hansen beat the best of the best last year and we ran in the Blue Grass and Kentucky Derby, ...how is that ducking? It is not smart to run the horse you love into the ground. Sorry we are not in the Haskell, as a fan I understand and would love to see Hansen break on top of Paynter and hold off Dullahan. Wait until Saratoga. Patience!!”
While Hansen should be heavily favored, keep in mind that the West Virginia Derby will not be without some legitimate competition, as the horse that defeated Haskell 2nd, Nonios, and Jim Dandy 3rd, Liaison, in the Swaps Stakes last time, Blueskiesnrainbows, is expected to be in the field on Saturday. The fact that he is also a front-runner, like Hansen, could also make the champ’s task just a little bit tougher at Mountaineer. Dr. Hansen had this to add after the Haskell …
“The running of the Haskell Invitaional flatters Blueskiesnrainbows as Nonois ran very well. He is the main competition for Hansen if he comes to West Virigina. We will let Hansen do what he does best ...run free in front. My initial thinking is to discuss with Mike Smith the plan not to let Blueskies get in front of Hansen unless he is running fractions too fast.”
So fresh with new rider Mike Smith in the saddle, Hansen will attempt to take the overland route to Saratoga Springs with preps in the Iowa and West Virginia Derbies. The Iowa Derby certainly was no contest as Hansen treated his four overmatched foes with complete disrespect in going wire-to-wire and romping by ten lengths. Can he do something similar on Saturday? And if so, does it mean that this free-wheeling talent has the right stuff to stop the Paynter Express and all the rest in the Midsummer Derby?