GI Preakness S. hero Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) made it clear who the best three-year-old in the country was with a four-length tour-de-force over Trappe Shot (Tapit) in Sunday's star-studded GI Izod Haskell Invitational S. at Monmouth Park. "At the 3/8ths pole, that's when you know you've got a good horse, because they'll be pulling you," trainer Bob Baffert said after saddling his record fourth Haskell winner. "Martin [Garcia] was still sitting, but when he pushed the button, this horse really took off. Today he was phenomenal."

Lucky Combination...

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert made the tough decision of replacing top-class rider Garrett Gomez with the up-and-coming Martin Garcia aboard Lookin at Lucky following another nightmare trip when sixth in the GI Kentucky Derby, and the bold move continues to pay off.

Following a flawless ride in the Preakness, Garcia was at it again on the $475,000 KEEAPR graduate at the Jersey Shore oval yesterday. The juvenile champion bobbled slightly after exiting from the one hole, and Garcia quickly guided him off the rail and into the four path. Settled just off the pace in fourth as First Dude (Stephen Got Even) rattled off fractions of :23.52 and :47.95 with Our Dark Knight (Medaglia d'Oro) and Derby hero Super Saver (Maria's Mon) in hot pursuit, Lookin at Lucky impressively catapulted himself to reach even terms entering the far turn.

It looked like it was going to be showdown for the ages between the Derby and Preakness winners on the turn for home, but Lookin at Lucky quickly put an end to that as Garcia shook the reins, and began to spread eagle the field. Trappe Shot (Tapit) came running late to complete the exacta.

First Dude, who appeared to be backing out of it on the turn for home, was all heart to nose out Super Saver for third. "He didn't stumble coming out of the gate, he broke fine," Garcia offered of the winner.

"I just moved him to the outside because I knew I was on a super horse, and I wanted to keep him out of trouble. I knew I was on the best horse. This is just a very powerful horse. I'm very appreciative to be able to ride this horse. I'm lucky."

As for what's next, Baffert added, "I don't know yet about the [GI] Travers [at Saratoga Aug. 28]. We'll decide whether he stays east and goes to Saratoga or we bring him back west. Right now, I'm not sure."