2008 Haskell Invitational Day at Monmouth Park

A field of 9 New Jersey-bred older horses entered the $100,000 Charles Hess III Handicap at 1 mile 70 yards on the main track. Bythebeautifulsea and Hermosillo contested the early pace before Hermosillo faded after a half in 46.88 and 3/4 in 1:11.35. Favorite Cuba, fourth early, came out 4-wide into the stretch and closed well, getting the lead inside the 1/8 pole and drawing off to a 1 1/2 length victory over Bythebeautifulsea in 1:41.51. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Trueamericanspirit third.

Winning trainer Bobby DiBona said, "He's definitely the best claim I ever made. He's just a phenomenal horse." The horse had been claimed for just $18,000 in February.

Results chart