Monmouth's $1-million Haskell this afternoon is a deceptively important race, meaning that it will be a more challenging duel for its top runners than their connections, not to mention a ton of players, initially imagined. Yes, the Haskell can still be regarded as a 'prep' — but just barely. When we begin to tease out what it means that Kentucky Derby winner Mage is not just not the favorite but a co-second favorite — which is to say, that one athlete is held in higher initial esteem than he and one other is cheek-by-jowl with him — then we have to know that this running will hold some surprises.

The race is a strongbox. In it lie all sorts of keys to the rest of the season, not least the Travers, which looks to feature Mage and his fellow Triple Crown-race victors.

The last really fine thing we saw the Derby winner do was to come from sixth at the mile at Churchill and fight off Two Phil's, a performance that was both gritty and delightful. Despite that, there was a whiff of a hangover feeling that he squeaked out that victory, so the race didn't manage to put an end to the questions about him. It did the opposite. Mage is doing well and his connections certainly seem happy to be where they are in the season, and like many of the owners and trainers in the Jim Dandy, they are hell-bent for the Travers, but there is a larger need out in the racing community for this particular Derby-winning colt to restate his qualifications.

For its part, the Haskell field just will not be declaring itself until Monmouth's starters slam the gate open. But before we wade into Tapit Trice, Geaux Rocket Ride, Extra Anejo, and the looming favorite-by-a-hair Arabian Knight and his robust mode of attack on the track, first, a refresher on the post positions and odds.

1. Geaux Rocket Ride, 9-2

2. Awesome Strong, 30-1

3. Salute the Stars, 8-1

4. Mage, 3-1

5. Tapit Trice, 3-1

6. Howgreatisnate, 20-1

7. Extra Anejo, 5-1

8. Arabian Knight, 5-2