Authentic gives Baffert ninth Haskell S. (G1) win

Authentic held off a furious late charge by NY Traffic to win Saturday’s $1 million Haskell S. (G1) by a nose, earning the 3-year-old colt another 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and giving his trainer Bob Baffert a record ninth winner of the Haskell.

Authentic now has a total of 200 points in the Challenge series and is assured a starting spot in the Sept. 5 Run for the Roses.

Ridden for the first time in five starts by Mike Smith, Authentic went to the lead almost immediately, with NY Traffic staying within a length of the leader through the first six furlongs. At the top of the stretch, Authentic pulled away to a three-length lead, but NY Traffic made a bold late move to come up just short at the wire.

The final time for the 1 1/8-miles was 1:50.45 on a fast main track.

“He’s a colt with an abundance of talent. Ability is something he does not lack. He’s got a lot of it,”  said Smith. “I rode him well past the wire just to show him to keep running. I didn’t want him to think it was over when he hit the wire.” 

Saturday’s win was Authentic’s first Grade 1 victory, his previous stakes wins came in the Sham S. (G3) and San Felipe S. (G2).

Owned by Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables and Starlight Racing, Authentic is 4-1-0 in five starts and has earned $1,011,200. 

Baffert’s Haskell winners include American Pharoah (2015) and Point Given (2001), both who would go on to win Horse of the Year honors.