Paynter has followed his runner-up finish in the Belmont Stakes with a dominant victory in the Haskell Invitational, another breakout performance for the colt who has languished as Bodemeister’s lesser-known stablemate.
In the hand of Rafael Bejarano, Paynter stormed into the lead entering the turn and pulled away to win the $US1 million ($A957,258) Haskell on Sunday at Monmouth Park, giving trainer Bob Baffert his third straight victory in the race and sixth overall.
“He’s been in Bodemeister’s shadow his whole career and look how he responded today,” said Justin Zayat of Zayat Stables, which owns both horses.
“We really wanted to win this race. Whoever ran against us today, we were ready. Paynter showed up today. ”
Gemologist took the lead in the 1-1/8-mile (1800m) race, with Paynter on his flank in the back straight. When they moved into the turn, Paynter surged ahead under Rafael Bejarano and was never threatened, winning by 3-3/4 lengths. Nonios was second and Stealcase third in the field of six.
“I knew he was a little wide coming out of the gate,” Bejarano said. “But I knew I had so much horse. I was praying for the right moment to move to the lead. I just let him go and he showed a big kick. I knew he would show me a big kick.”
Baffert, who has curtailed his travel since suffering a heart attack earlier this year, wasn’t in attendance leaving assistant Jimmy Barnes in charge of Paynter.
“This was unbelievable,” Barnes said. “Rafael rode him brilliantly.”
Bodemeister ran second to I’ll Have Another in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes while Union Rags beat Paynter in the Belmont. Both the winning triple crown horses have since been retired.
