After a not having competition quite fast enough for his liking in the Preakness, we were hoping for more speed in the Haskell for Mage to be successful. Thankfully we got our wish! Javier Castellano was aboard for the one and one eighth mile Gr. 1 race. In less than peak racing condition, Mage showed up to Monmouth ready to win. He broke from the gate three wide early and settled off the pace, waiting to make his move. Once he was into the final turn, he rallied! Swinging four wide into the stretch, he made a strong bid outside winner Geaux Rocket Ride, dueling head to head for the lead. Unfortunately, Geaux Rocket Ride pushed just a little bit harder right before the finish line and pulled ahead of Mage by just one and three fourth lengths at the finish. Considering trainer Gustavo Delgado was concerned about his fitness level before the race, we found this run to be incredibly successful! Mage walked away from the race in good order and made his way to Saratoga to prepare for the Travers. Congratulations!