The Monmouth Park oval buzzed with anticipation this Wednesday morning as Journalism, the 4-5 morning-line favorite, made a grand entrance onto the track, signaling his readiness for Saturday’s 58th renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes.
The sleek bay colt, a two-time Grade 1 victor and a standout in the Triple Crown series this year, captivated onlookers with his fluid motion, a testament to his impressive pedigree and the meticulous care he receives from trainer Michael McCarthy's stable. His arrival on Tuesday evening, following a seamless transcontinental flight from his California base, set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown in one of horse racing's premier events.
The admiration for Journalism was palpable as he effortlessly jogged a mile under the watchful eye of his regular exercise rider, Marc Witkowski. Witkowski, a seasoned professional with a lifetime of experience galloping top-tier racehorses, unequivocally declared Journalism the finest he has ever ridden.
"I've been galloping horses my whole life. I've been on Grade 1 winners. He is the best I've ever been on, by far," Witkowski asserted, a testament to the colt's exceptional qualities.
This profound endorsement from someone intimately familiar with the horse's daily routine speaks volumes about Journalism's inherent talent and remarkable disposition.
What elevates Journalism to such a distinguished status? Witkowski elaborated on the Colts' unique blend of strength, intelligence, and competitive spirit. "He's a strong horse and he's smart," he explained. "He's a brilliant horse, and he just loves it out there. He's very competitive. He kind of puffs himself up, but at the same time, he's still calm and quiet." This paradoxical nature—intense focus coupled with an underlying serenity—allows Journalism to excel under pressure, adapting seamlessly to various race conditions and environments.
Witkowski painted a vivid picture of Journalism's training sessions, highlighting his effortless gait and immense power. "When he's out there training and galloping, he loves doing it. He's a beautiful mover. He just glides over the track. It feels like nothing but power under me, and he moves the ground. I'm watching the poles, and he gets around there so easily when I ask him to."
The exercise rider further emphasized Journalism's unwavering responsiveness, stating, "Whenever I ask him for more, he gives it to me. He has adapted to each track he's run at really well. He is an awesome horse. Just awesome." This adaptability will be a crucial asset in the highly competitive Haskell Stakes betting landscape, where subtle advantages can translate into significant gains.
Journalism holds the unique distinction of being the only horse this season to have contested all three legs of the Triple Crown. His consistent performances, marked by a second-place finish to Sovereignty in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, have solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. However, it was his victory in the Preakness Stakes under regular jockey Umberto Rispoli that truly showcased his tenacity and unyielding will to win.
The Preakness was a race etched into memory, a testament to Journalism's fighting spirit. Under urging in the far turn, he appeared to be fading, yet he unleashed a powerful surge up the inside, weaving through traffic. Rispoli, displaying masterful horsemanship, had to check him at the three-sixteenths pole as he encountered bumping with Goal Oriented to his outside and Clever Again to his inside. What followed was a remarkable recovery: Journalism rallied fiercely by the eighth pole, closing with a determined rush to run down Gosger in the final strides, ultimately prevailing by a half-length at the wire. This display of resilience is why Haskell Stakes betting enthusiasts are placing such high hopes on him.
The Haskell Stakes odds reflect the competitive nature of the field, with several accomplished horses vying for the top prize. Journalism will once again face two familiar rivals from the Preakness: Gosger and Goal Oriented.
Gosger, the third choice in the morning line at 9-2, is trained by Brendan Walsh and represents the Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables as a homebred. His connections hold him in high regard. Stephan Dolan, Walsh's assistant, who accompanied Gosger on his journey from Kentucky, reported the colt arrived Wednesday morning, "He's doing well and he's happy. He just relaxed today. He might walk this evening and do something small. He'll be out on the track in the morning. The boss will decide what he'll do. Brendan will be here on Friday." Dolan, a fellow Irishman, echoed the sentiment of admiration for Gosger, stating, "He's a lovely horse. He came so close to winning (the Preakness) that day, but that just proves how good he is and how good of a horse Journalism is." He added a realistic note, "Gosger will need a bit of luck Saturday, but so will they all."
Goal Oriented, the second pick at 4-1, hails from the barn of Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who boasts a record nine Haskell victories. This son of Not This Time shared the West Coast flight with Journalism, arriving at Monmouth Park on Tuesday evening. Baffert expressed confidence in his colt's progression, remarking, "I feel good with the way he's coming into this race. He didn't go backwards on us. He's been moving forward. He's a much better horse than he was in the Preakness, and he needs to be. Whether he's good enough, we'll see. I have a lot of respect for Journalism. This will be a good race." Baffert foresees a turning point for many of the colts at this stage of their careers: "You'll see a lot of horses start to turn the corner and move forward." This development in the horses' maturity will be a key factor for those engaging in Haskell Stakes betting.
On Wednesday morning, Goal Oriented also undertook light exercise shortly after the track opened. Groom Roberto Luna confirmed a smooth session, with Baffert's top assistant, Jimmy Barnes, expected to arrive later in the day to oversee the final preparations.
Beyond the top three, the Haskell field includes several other intriguing contenders. Burnham Square, the only other Grade 1 winner in the field under his victory in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in April, is set to arrive on Friday. Trained by Ian Wilkes and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., he carries the colors of owner-breeder Whitham Thoroughbreds, bringing another layer of competitive depth to the race.
The remaining horses completing the Haskell field are Kentucky Outlaw, Bracket Buster, National Law, and the local favorite, Wildncrazynight.
Kentucky Outlaw, a son of Outwork, represents a remarkable story for owner-trainer Felissa Dunn, as it is her first stakes winner. Despite being unraced as a two-year-old due to habitual gate issues, he burst onto the scene this year, celebrating his third birthday on February 27th with a dominant 7 3/4-length maiden memorable weight victory at Parx over 6 1/2 furlongs.
He followed that up with another dazzling performance, taking an optional-claiming race at the same track by 5 3/4 lengths. His ticket to the Haskell was punched with a win in the Long Branch, the first of Monmouth Park's local Haskell preps, on May 10th. Florent Geroux will be in the irons on Saturday. Dunn recounted the interest her horse garnered: "It was great," she said about the Long Branch. "But my horse got the most attention after he won his first and then second race. We got a lot of calls from people who wanted to buy him."
Dunn's participation is particularly noteworthy in the 57-year history of the Haskell Stakes. Only four female trainers have saddled a horse in the race previously: Dee Curry (6th with Bethlehem Road in 2019), Nancy Alberts (2nd with Magic Weisner in 2002), Cynthia Reese (4th with Devil's Honor in 1996), and Linda Rice (6th with Arcadia Falls in 1989).
Dunn, along with Vicki Oliver, who trains Pegasus Stakes winner Bracket Buster, will become the fifth and sixth female trainers to start a horse in this prestigious race. Bracket Buster will benefit from the expertise of Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez, adding another formidable jockey to the mix.
Finally, Wildncrazynight, a local hope, is trained by Dan Ward. This marks a significant milestone for Ward, who spent four decades as an assistant to Hall of Famers Bobby Frankel and Jerry Hollendorfer. Saturday will be his first opportunity to saddle a horse in a Grade 1 race under his name. Locally based jockey Isaac Castillo retains the mount, a testament to their established partnership.
The Haskell Stakes isn't just a race; it's a spectacle that draws considerable attention from the world of horse racing betting. For many, it's a pivotal point in the summer racing calendar, offering a glimpse into future champions and often serving as a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Classic. The Grade 1 status and the substantial $1 million purse attract the best of the 3-year-old crop, making it a truly competitive and exciting event for both casual fans and seasoned handicappers.
The process of horse racing betting involves a blend of art and science. Bettors analyze a multitude of factors, including a horse's recent form and past performances on various track surfaces, as well as jockey and trainer statistics, pedigree, and even the weather conditions on the day of the race. The morning-line odds, while indicative of the oddsmaker's initial assessment, often shift as money pours in from the public, reflecting changing perceptions and late-breaking information. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to engage with the sport beyond casual observation.
For the Haskell Stakes, the presence of Triple Crown contenders like Journalism, seasoned veterans from top barns like Bob Baffert’s Goal Oriented, and up-and-coming stars like Gosger creates a compelling narrative.
Each horse brings a unique set of strengths and a persuasive story, contributing to the overall drama and excitement. The anticipation builds with each passing day as these equine athletes fine-tune their preparations, their connections offering insights into their well-being and readiness.
The stage is set for a thrilling afternoon of racing at Monmouth Park, where dreams will be chased and potentially realized, providing ample opportunity for those interested in horse racing betting to test their predictive skills. The outcome will not only impact the careers of these magnificent animals and their human counterparts but also shape the discussions and wagers in the vibrant world of thoroughbred racing.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
