New Jersey Gets the Point

Although Hollywood Park would have preferred his return had come in last month’s Swaps Stakes, Point Given will make his first start since his devastating win in the Belmont in the $1.5-million Haskell Invitational Handicap today at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. Owned by Prince Ahmed Salman’s Thoroughbred Corporation and trained by Bob Baffert, Point Given should have little trouble winning for the eighth time in 12 starts and his third in a row. The Haskell, a Grade I run at 1 1/8 miles, is the first race of the second half of Point Given’s season, which is scheduled to culminate with a start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 27 at Belmont Park. The 124-pound highweight--he is dropping weight off the 126 pounds he carried during the Triple Crown--the Preakness and Belmont winner will break from the outside post under Gary Stevens. The field is completed by Hero’s Tribute, who has won four of nine for trainer John Ward; Burning Roma, who has beaten up on softer fields while winning eight of 11; Touch Tone, who won the Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows, his third victory in four starts; This Fleet Is Due and Jamaican Rum, who was third behind Point Given’s stablemate Congaree in the Swaps.

Race of the day: The $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap is the day’s feature event, but it isn’t much of a betting race. Only a filly and three mares entered the Grade II, so a race that looks to be a good betting contest is the fifth, an event for $25,000 claimers. Foxy Sneakers is a specialist at the distance, winning five times at seven furlongs.

Who’s hot: Jose Valdivia, Jr. The jockey came up with four winners Friday and only one of them was favored. His victories included surprises on Chaster, Lasting Tribute and Go Calif Go.

Who’s not: Henry Moreno. Only two wins in 2001 for the trainer, who has Ruffena entered in today’s seventh race.

Exotically speaking: We’ll play a trifecta in the seventh keying Global on top, to Bafferta, Song Of Summer and Vera Icy Lady in the second spot and all in third hole.