Monday, July 30, 2012

PAYNTER EXITS HASKELL IN ‘GREAT’ SHAPE HEADS BACK TO CALIFORNIA TUESDAY

Oceanport, N.J. – Zayat Stables LLC’s Paynter is reported in great shape following his nearly four length romp in Sunday’s $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park Racetrack.

“He came out great,” said trainer Bob Baffert, who earned a record sixth Haskell win and third in a row on Sunday. “He ships back to California tomorrow and will go next in the Travers (at Saratoga on Aug. 25).”


Paynter, who was kept close to pacesetter Gemologist in the Haskell, dispensed with that rival near the half-mile pole before drawing clear at the head of the stretch and asserting his strength through the lane. Nonios rallied to finish second as Stealcase closed from last to take third. The running time for the mile an eighth over a fast main track was 1:48.87.

Paynter, a 3-year-old colt by Awesome Again from the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizso earned his third victory in six starts by taking the Haskell. The $325,000 yearling purchase has now earned $952,224.

Sunday’s 45th renewal of the Haskell saw over 35,000 in attendance at Monmouth, whose racing season continues through Oct. 7. In addition to live cards on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August, Monmouth will add Thursday twilight cards on Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30 with a first post of 4 p.m.

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