Social Inclusion On Track for Haskell Invitational

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Trainer Manny Azpurua reported Thursday morning at Gulfstream Park that Social Inclusion is on track to make his next start in the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 27.



On Wednesday, Social Inclusion breezed four-furlongs in 45.65 seconds, the fastest of 37 recorded at the distance.

“He worked wonderfully and he is doing great this morning,” Azpurua said. “Right now, I’m looking to ship to Monmouth Park on the 22nd.”

Social Inclusion hasn’t raced since finishing a distant third behind Bayern in the Woody Stephens (G2) at Belmont on June 7. The 3-year-old son of Pioneerof the Nile had previously finished third in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and third in the Wood Memorial (G1). Owned by Rontos Racing Stable, Social Inclusion had launched his career with a pair of stunning triumphs, including a 10-length score over Honor Code in the track-record time of 1:40.97 for 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream.

“It was a mistake to go to Aqueduct (for the Wood). My horse was young and only had two races, and it screwed up his mind. It’s 84 (degrees) here, 34 up there. He’s changing tracks; he’s changing stalls. The first time he went to the paddock he got upset. He got upset on the track. All those things troubled his mind,” Azpurua said.

Social Inclusion developed bad behavior, most notably in the gate, that compromised his performances in the Wood and Preakness, but his trainer stated that the Kentucky-bred colt has been schooling and working from the gate well.

“We’ve taken it easy with him and he’s come back. Now, the rider says he’s a different horse and does what he wants him to do. He’s much more relaxed,” the 85-year-old trainer said. “He’s a quieter horse. He’s the horse he’s supposed to be.”

Following his scheduled start in the Haskell, Social Inclusion is slated to ship to Saratoga.