Paynter has favorite's role in 6-horse Haskell
July 26, 2012OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) - Paynter has been made the 3-2 favorite in a six-horse field for Sunday's $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.
The lightly raced 3-year-old colt finished second by a neck to Union Rags in the Belmont Stakes in his last start.
Paynter, who will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, drew the No. 3 post as he attempts to give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his third straight Haskell win and sixth overall.
Dullahan, third in the Kentucky Derby and seventh in the Preakness, is the co-second choice at 3-1 with Gemologist, returning from a bruised foot after finishing 16th in the Derby.
Also entered Thursday were Nonios (7-2), Handsome Mike (7-2) and Stealcase (8-1).
Baffert won last year's Haskell with Coil, and with Lookin At Lucky in 2010.