Arkansas Derby Winner Papa Clem Probable For 2009 Haskell Invitational Field
Race horse trainer Gary Stute said Thursday that he’s “95% sure” that Bo Hirsch’s Arkansas Derby winner Papa Clem will make his next start in Sunday’s 2009 Haskell Invitational (G1) August 2 at Monmouth Park.
“It’s almost definite we’re going” Gary Stute said from his Santa Anita base. “The only thing we’re not sure of right now is the jockey.”
Jockey Rafael Bejarano, who became Papa Clem’s regular rider last year and was aboard in the colt’s Arkansas Derby victory, was injured in a spill at Del Mar on Wednesday, suffering facial fractures.
“His agent (Joe Ferrer) told me that Rafael probably could ride in a couple of weeks wearing one of those cages that covers the face,” Stute said. “He didn’t have any other fractures, which is great. He’s such a good guy, I hope he recovers quickly.”
Stute said that he has heard from the agents of both jockey Tyler Baze, who rode Papa Clem in his first two starts, and jockey Elvis Trujillo, who was aboard in the Long Branch Stakes here, but has not yet made a decision.
Papa Clem, who has been stabled at Monmouth since the week before running third in the July 11 Long Branch, turned in a sharp breeze (6 furlongs in 1:12.60) here on Monday, and will likely work once more before the Haskell.
“I’ll breeze him one more time, probably next Monday,” race horse trainer Gary Stute said, “and maybe blow him out right before the race.”
Horse racing news edited from www.monmouthpark.com.
Tags: Papa Clem
"Arkansas Derby Winner Papa Clem Probable For 2009 Haskell Invitational Field" was posted on 24 July 2009 4:10 AM under Horse Racing News, Horses, Jockeys, Race Tracks, Stakes Races
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