Journalism and Goal Oriented to Take Separate Paths After Haskell

While Michael McCarthy’s pupil enjoys his secured spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Goal Oriented has his sights firmly set on the Travers Stakes

Journalism (outside) surges to victory in the Haskell / MONMOUTH PARK

OCEANPORT, New Jersey (Special for Turf Diario).- The electrifying victory of Journalism in Saturday’s Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park still echoed loudly among his connections the following morning, though trainer Michael McCarthy had yet to determine the colt’s next move. A start in the Travers Stakes (G1) remains a possibility but no confirmation has been given. “We have a few scenarios to consider. For now, we’re just going to enjoy this win,” the conditioner said.

A different story surrounds Goal Oriented, the Bob Baffert trainee who finished a close third, just half a length behind in a thrilling finish. From his Southern California base, the Hall of Famer confirmed by phone, “He’s going to the Travers. He gets back home Tuesday, then we fly out again to the East Coast for the Saratoga race on August 23.”

With his Haskell triumph, Journalism earned an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 1 at Del Mar as part of the Win and You’re In Challenge Series. The victory was celebrated by a crowd of 41,876—Monmouth’s largest attendance for the event since 2015. The 3-year-old paid just $2.80 on the ticket, underscoring his overwhelming favoritism.

Bred by Don Alberto Stable and racing under the colors of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, along with Bridlewood Farm, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, Don Alberto himself, and the Coolmore partners (Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith), Journalism was the only 3-year-old to contest all three Triple Crown jewels this year. He scored his victory in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and finished runner-up to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1).

“I’m thrilled with him in every way. He’s a treasure,” said Aron Wellman, head of Eclipse, who confirmed Journalism will share the flight back to California with Goal Oriented.

Also making a strong impression was Gosger (Nyquist), runner-up to Journalism in both the Preakness and the Haskell. The Brendan Walsh trainee, bred by Harvey A. Clarke, came out of the race in good order and returned to Kentucky by road Sunday afternoon. “We’re a bit disappointed, but he ran a great race. Journalism is obviously a very good horse. Our colt should continue to develop,” said Walsh’s assistant, Sean Dolan.

Among the locals, the least favored was Wildncrazynight (Midnight Lute), who finished last in the field of eight. Still, his owner, Staton Flurry, savored his first Haskell experience: “It was a fun day. Lots of young people, great atmosphere. It felt like a mini Kentucky Derby. An incredible race, one of the best finishes I’ve seen.”

Flurry privately purchased the New Jersey-bred and placed him with trainer Dan Ward. “We’ll see if we can place him in a race restricted to state-breds, an optional claimer or a restricted stakes. He’s a very nice horse and has been a good buy. I’m grateful to Dan for bringing him to my attention.”

With 17 horses in training in the U.S. and another four in Ireland, Flurry also heads a motorsports team called Trifecta Motor Sports, though he admits, “I enjoy horse racing way more. It’s more fun.”

Ward also had reasons to celebrate on Haskell Day as his filly Majestic Oops (Majestic Harbor) finished second to Randomized (Curlin) for trainer Chad Brown in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3), running well in her graded stakes debut in her 30th career start.

“It was a very good race and a great day for everyone,” summarized the veteran trainer, who worked for four decades alongside legends like Bobby Frankel and Jerry Hollendorfer, and made his first-ever Haskell start under his own name.