Wildcat Red set for Haskell Invitational

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hallandale Beach, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Wildcat Red reclaimed the magic that he had earlier this year with Saturday's 10 1/4-length triumph in Gulfstream Park's $90,000 Quality Road Stakes.

The Fountain of Youth Stakes winner proved his 18th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby was not indicative of his ability and marked himself as a prime contender for the $1 million Haskell Invitational on July 27 at Monmouth Park.

"I'm very happy because the horse gets his confidence back," trainer Jose Garoffalo said. "He came back good out of the Derby, which was my main concern. The way he's been training and the way he ran (Saturday), the Derby wasn't a problem for him. Now, we can look forward to the rest of the year.

"He's got more power; he's bigger; he's stronger; he's more muscular."

Earlier this year, Wildcat Red, owned by Honors Stable Corp., won the Hutcheson Stakes and finished second in the Florida Derby to Constitution. The colt has won five of his nine career starts for $750,850.

"The horse showed his class again, especially with his problems in the Derby," Garoffalo said. "I think with this race, the horse will be ready for the next one, which will be the Haskell."