The crowd of 45,132 who came out to Monmouth Park on Sunday to witness Big Brown in the Haskell were treated to a marathon 14-race card which included 7 other stakes races. Racing conditions were ideal, with sunny skies, temperatures in the 80's, with a fast main track and firm turf course at the historic Oceanport, New Jersey oval.
Immediately before the Haskell, a field of nine older horses contested the $150,000 Oceanport Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Giant Wrecker set the pace of 24.11, 47.68, and 1:10.71 while being stalked by Baron Von Tap and Hotstufanthensome down the backstretch. Entering the straight, Baron Von Tap tired and faded to last, but favorite Silver Tree, sixth early, found room between horses at the top of the lane and closed well to nail the pacesetter at the line by a head in 1:40.05. It was another head back to Hotstufanthensome to complete the blanket finish.
On to the 2008 Haskell Invitational won by Big Brown
