Journalism Targets Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park to Stay on Top

The Preakness-winning colt, bred by Haras Don Alberto, heads into Saturday’s Haskell Stakes as the strong favorite against seven rivals

Journalism Heads to the Monmouth Track Under Michael McCarthy’s Watchful Eye / MONMOUTH PARK

With the credentials of having captured the Preakness Stakes (G1) and finishing runner-up in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), Journalism enters Saturday’s NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes (G1, 1800m, dirt, $1 million) at Monmouth Park as the clear standout among eight entrants.

Installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite, the Curlin colt, bred in Kentucky by Haras Don Alberto and trained by Michael McCarthy, will break from post 2 as he seeks to further cement his position as the division leader. The Haskell is also a “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on November 1, adding extra incentive to an already prestigious contest.

Owned by a partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and Coolmore associates Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, Journalism brings a record of 5 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third from 8 starts, with earnings of $3,198,800. He has not finished worse than second in 2025, including his victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

“First and foremost, the Haskell is an important Grade 1 race in its own right, with a $1 million purse,” said Aron Wellman, head of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “We had a direct and easy flight from Los Angeles to Newark, and it doesn’t hurt that the race offers an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup.”

After his final major breeze – six furlongs in 1:12 flat at Santa Anita Park on July 12 – confidence in Journalism remains high. “From the outset we’ve taken things day by day, race by race,” Wellman added. “After the Triple Crown we gave him a breather and wanted to choose his next spot carefully. Over the last few weeks he’s blossomed, giving us clear signals he’s ready to run again.”

Umberto Rispoli, his regular jockey, retains the mount. It will be his first ride in the Haskell and his debut at Monmouth Park. Journalism, purchased for $825,000 as a yearling, has justified every dollar invested.

Among his seven rivals is Goal Oriented, the Bob Baffert trainee aiming to give his trainer a record-extending tenth Haskell victory. The Quality Road colt, fourth in the Preakness, ships in from California with Flavien Prat aboard, breaking from post 8.

“He’s a big, strong horse and he’s been training really well. I think he’s improved and he’ll need to in order to be competitive,” Baffert said. “I like how he’s coming into this race, but Journalism is a tough horse. I see him every day and he looks spectacular. Mentally he’s also coming along – we threw him into the deep end in the Preakness and he handled it well. He’ll be closer this time, which will be key.”

Also lining up is Gosger, who nearly upset Journalism in the Preakness, finishing a close second. Trained by Brendan Walsh for breeder Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables, the son of champion Nyquist will again be ridden by Luis Saez.

“He’s improved with every race,” Walsh noted. “We always thought he’d need time, so we took it easy over the winter and spring. We didn’t target the Derby but went straight to the Preakness and almost pulled it off. I still don’t think we’ve reached the bottom of him.”

Another top contender is Burnham Square, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. The Liam’s Mapcolt is trained by Ian Wilkes for Whitham Thoroughbreds, with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the irons.

“His running style has changed – he’s staying closer now,” Wilkes said. “Even in the Derby he was closer than we expected. He’s adaptable, does what Brian asks, and is maturing each time out.”

Saturday’s Monmouth Park card features 14 races, including six stakes – five of them graded. First post is noon, with the Haskell scheduled for 5:45 p.m. local time.