The $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park next Saturday kicks off the first of six Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In’’ challenge races in July.
While the winner of the signature summer race at the Jersey Shore track adds a Grade 1 to the resume, there’s also an all-fees paid berth to the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism is among 18 3-year-olds nominated for the 1 1/8-mile Haskell and will likely be the strong favorite if entered on Tuesday (July 15), the day of the post-position draw.
Second to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1), Journalism was scheduled for a workout at Santa Anita over the weekend before a final decision on shipping East is made.
Trainer Michael McCarthy will oversee the work. Co-owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners said this week a solid breeze is needed before the colt heads to New Jersey.
While avoiding Sovereignty for now – he's set to run in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga on July 26 – Journalism will still face tough challenges.
Among the top nominees: Preakness runner-up Gosger, overtaken in the final strides by Journalism; Blue Grass (G1) winner Burnham Square; Bob Baffert-trained Goal Oriented, fourth in the Preakness; Bracket Buster, winner of the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth; Ohio Derby (G3) winner Mo Plex; Admiral Dennis, winner of the Delaware Derby; and Wildncrazynight, second in the Pegasus.
The BC Classic has four automatic qualifiers so far: Forever Young (Saudi Cup), Costa Nova (February Stakes), Hit Show (Dubai World Cup), and Mindframe (Stephen Foster).
The Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 2 is the next “Win and You’re In’’ race for the BC Classic. Top contenders include 2024 BC Classic winner Sierra Leone and 2024 Travers Stakes (G1) winner Fierceness.
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.
