OCEANPORT, NJ — Triple Crown standout Journalism returns to action as the 4-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s $1 million Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, aiming to further cement his status as one of the nation’s top 3-year-olds.
The Preakness winner and runner-up in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, Journalism is the only horse to compete in all three Triple Crown races this season. Trained by Michael McCarthy and co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and the Coolmore partners, the Curlin colt drew post 2 in the field of eight.
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Saturday’s Haskell, a “Win and You’re In” for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, headlines a 14-race card with six stakes (five graded). First post is noon ET, with the Haskell set for 5:45 p.m. and televised live on NBC alongside the Grade 2 United Nations.
Journalism, a $825,000 yearling purchase, enters with a 5-2-1 record from eight starts and over $3.1 million in earnings. His 2025 resume includes a Santa Anita Derby win and runner-up finishes to Sovereignty in both the Derby and Belmont. After a sharp six-furlong workout in 1:12.00 on July 12 at Santa Anita, connections are confident he’s ready.
“We’ve taken it one race at a time,” said Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbreds. “He came out of the Triple Crown series thriving. The Haskell presented itself as the ideal next step — prestigious, lucrative, and a Breeders’ Cup qualifier.”
Umberto Rispoli retains the mount, making his Monmouth Park debut.
Trainer Bob Baffert, who seeks a record-extending 10th Haskell win, sends out Goal Oriented, the 4-1 second choice, from post 8 with Flavien Prat aboard. Baffert’s most recent Haskell triumph came in 2020 with eventual Horse of the Year Authentic.
“He’s matured a lot,” Baffert said of Goal Oriented, who was fourth in the Preakness. “Physically and mentally, he’s stronger. He’s coming into this race in the right way.”
Preakness runner-up Gosger (9-2), trained by Brendan Walsh, looks to turn the tables on Journalism. A son of Nyquist, Gosger has improved with every start. “We’ve always believed in him,” said Walsh. “The Haskell is the next logical step.”
Burnham Square (5-1), trained by Ian Wilkes, brings Grade 1 credentials via his win in the Blue Grass Stakes. He’ll break from post 4 under Brian Hernandez Jr. “He’s matured nicely and become more tactical,” Wilkes said. “He’s in great form right now.”
Rounding out the field are Bracket Buster (10-1), Wildncrazynight (30-1), National Law (20-1), and Kentucky Outlaw (15-1).
Haskell Field (Post Position – Horse – Jockey – Odds):
- Bracket Buster – John Velazquez – 10-1
- Journalism – Umberto Rispoli – 4-5
- Wildncrazynight – Isaac Castillo – 30-1
- Burnham Square – Brian Hernandez Jr. – 5-1
- National Law – Irad Ortiz Jr. – 20-1
- Gosger – Luis Saez – 9-2
- Kentucky Outlaw – Florent Geroux – 15-1
- Goal Oriented – Flavien Prat – 4-1
Saturday’s Haskell promises a high-stakes clash of class, speed, and summer momentum on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.
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