The road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic takes a thrilling turn every summer at the historic Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey. Thoroughbred racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this Grade 1 classic, which consistently showcases the brightest three-year-old stars in the division. The Haskell Stakes offers a massive $1,000,000 purse and provides the winner with a direct, all-expenses-paid ticket to the Breeders' Cup Classic through the "Win and You're In" Challenge Series. As the summer racing season reaches its peak, thousands of passionate fans look forward to Haskell Stakes betting opportunities at the Jersey Shore.
This race represents more than just a lucrative prize; it often defines championships and shapes the Eclipse Award discussions for the sophomore division. Trainers point their finest runners to this event to test their mettle over the classic distance of 1 1/8 miles on the dirt. The unique, speed-favoring Monmouth Park main track always presents a fascinating puzzle for handicappers to solve. To maximize your returns, you must closely monitor the official Haskell Stakes odds as the starting gate approaches.
The 59th renewal of this legendary race takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Fans planning to attend the event in person can purchase tickets through official ticketing platforms, with gates opening at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Monmouth Park schedules the first race of the day for 12:00 PM Eastern Time, kicking off an action-packed card. The main event itself will post at approximately 5:45 PM Eastern Time, serving as the crown jewel of the afternoon.
If you cannot make it to the Jersey Shore, you can easily stream or watch the broadcast live. NBC Sports and Peacock will broadcast the main race live from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Additionally, CNBC and BUSR racebook will provide extensive coverage of the undercard races earlier in the day. Whether you watch from home or the track, you will want to secure a funded account so you can bet on Haskell Stakes contenders with ease.
Summer at the Jersey Shore brings beautiful weather, but it also introduces elements that can dramatically impact a dirt track. Historical trends suggest that mid-July in Oceanport brings temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the low-90s, accompanied by high humidity. These conditions require horses to be in peak physical condition, as the heat can quickly sap the energy of an underprepared runner. Trainers must carefully manage their horses' hydration and cooling routines in the paddock before they head to the track.
Furthermore, summer afternoons along the Atlantic coast frequently produce sudden, localized thunderstorms. A fast, dry track can turn into a sloppy, wet surface within minutes, completely shifting the track bias. Any sudden rainstorm will instantly alter the track condition, shifting the live Haskell Stakes odds dramatically. Off-track betting specialists always advise checking the local weather radar right up until post time to ensure your chosen horse can handle the surface.
Haskell Day is not a single-race event; rather, Monmouth Park curates one of the most spectacular cards in the country. The supporting card features five additional major stakes races, drawing elite turf and dirt specialists from across North America. The crown jewel of the undercard is the $500,000 Grade 2 United Nations Stakes, a classic turf marathon at 1 3/8 miles. Turf stars often use the United Nations as a springboard to the Breeders' Cup Turf later in the fall.
Additionally, fans will enjoy the $500,000 Grade 2 Molly Pitcher Stakes for older fillies and mares, alongside the $350,000 Grade 3 Monmouth Cup. Turf female specialists will contest the $300,000 Grade 3 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes over 1 1/8 miles on the grass. This exceptional lineup of supporting stakes guarantees massive pools for Haskell Stakes bettors this weekend. High-volume players can target the guaranteed $500,000 Late Pick 4 and the $300,000 Late Pick 5 to secure massive payouts.
The racing secretary has drawn a highly competitive field of seven talented sophomores for the 2026 edition. The table below displays the official post positions, jockey assignments, weights, trainers, and morning line odds.
| 1 | Star Sweeper | 30-1 | Luis Rivera, Jr. | Louis Linder, Jr. |
| 2 | Further Ado | 2-1 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Brad Cox |
| 3 | Baby Vino | 15-1 | Jorge Vargas, Jr. | Lindsay Schultz |
| 4 | The Puma | 7-2 | Luis Saez | Gustavo Delgado |
| 5 | Iron Honor | 3-1 | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown |
| 6 | Napoleon Solo | 5-2 | Paco Lopez | Chad Summers |
| 7 | Ocelli | 6-1 | Tyler Gaffalione | D. Whitworth Beckman |
Our comprehensive guide displays the official Haskell Stakes odds for each runner in the seven-horse field.
Louis C. Linder, Jr. trains Star Sweeper, who enters the starting gate as the longest shot on the board at morning line odds of 30/1. Jockey L. R. Rivera, Jr. takes the mount and must navigate a clean trip from the inside rail post position. Star Sweeper carries a light weight of 119 pounds, giving him a slight physical advantage over the heavier co-favorites in the race. While his speed figures sit below the class of this field, his patient running style could allow him to pass tired horses late. Longshot fans will surely flock to bet on Haskell Stakes sleeper Star Sweeper at his lucrative pricing.
Elite trainer Brad H. Cox conditions Further Ado, the morning-line favorite at odds of 2/1. Champion jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., known for his aggressive and precise riding style, will guide this runner from post position 2. Further Ado recently rebounded from a challenging spring campaign to win his prep race in brilliant fashion. As the morning-line favorite, Further Ado holds a powerful position in the current Haskell Stakes odds. He possesses outstanding tactical speed, elite stamina, and the perfect pedigree to conquer the demanding 1 1/8-mile distance.
Trainer Lindsay Schultz sends out Baby Vino, an intriguing contender listed at morning line odds of 15/1. Leading rider Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. takes the reins and will seek to utilize this runner's natural early speed from post position 3. Baby Vino enters this race with solid confidence, having performed respectably in local mid-Atlantic events. His local performance will surely attract savvy players looking for an edge in Haskell Stakes betting markets. If Vargas can establish an easy lead, Baby Vino could easily outrun his long morning-line odds.
Gustavo Delgado, who has captured major classic races in recent seasons, trains the highly regarded contender The Puma. Listed at 7/2 in the morning line, this runner will break from post position 4 under elite jockey Luis Saez. The Puma displays a classic stalking style, allowing him to sit just off the lead before launching a powerful stretch drive. Many smart handicappers will choose to bet on Haskell Stakes contender The Puma based on his elite connections. He should receive a perfect trip behind what project to be very hot early fractions.
Chad C. Brown trains Iron Honor, an incredibly consistent contender featured at morning line odds of 3/1. World-class jockey Flavien Prat will ride this talented individual from post position 5, carrying a featherweight of 119 pounds. Iron Honor ran a highly competitive race in his recent graded stakes outing, demonstrating that he belongs with the very best of his generation. His trainer knows how to prepare a horse for peak performance, meaning this colt commands respect in the Haskell Stakes odds. Expect Prat to position Iron Honor aggressively right from the start.
Chad Summers conditions Napoleon Solo, who enters this classic fresh off a sensational series of speed figures on the East Coast. Paco Lopez, the undisputed king of Monmouth Park, climbs aboard this contender, who starts from post position 6 at morning line odds of 5/2. Napoleon Solo possesses world-class stamina and an explosive turn of foot that can decimate a field in the final furlong. This major contender will attract a huge wave of action from those engaging in Haskell Stakes betting on race day. He stands as a formidable threat to win this prestigious Grade 1 trophy.
David Beckman trains the final entry, Ocelli, who lands in the outside post position 7 at morning line odds of 6/1. Nationally prominent jockey Tyler Gaffalione takes the mount, bringing his signature patience and timing to Oceanport. Ocelli competed with credit in major prep races this spring, proving his elite class and durability. He adds immense value to the overall Haskell Stakes odds structure. Breaking from the outside post allows Gaffalione to watch the race develop and find a clean path forward.
The Haskell Stakes boasts a rich history dating back to its inaugural running in 1968. Monmouth Park named the race in honor of Amory L. Haskell, the first president and chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club. Over the decades, the race has transformed into a critical summer championship event, consistently attracting the nation's best three-year-olds. Legendary champions like Point Given, Rachel Alexandra, and American Pharoah have crossed the finish line first here, cementing their legacies.
More recently, champions like Authentic, Cyberknife, Geaux Rocket Ride, and Dornoch have added their names to the illustrious trophy. Winners of this race frequently go on to capture Eclipse Awards, proving the Haskell's role as a true maker of champions. Looking back at these legends inspires thousands of fans who want to bet on Haskell Stakes champions of the future. The 2026 edition promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter to this glorious racing heritage.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | Michael W. McCarthy | Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables Five, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick | 1:48.15 |
| 2024 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | West Paces Racing LLC, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, LLC, Two Eight Racing, LLC & Pine Racing Stables | 1:50.31 |
| 2023 | Geaux Rocket Ride | Mike E. Smith | Richard E. Mandella | Pin Oak Stud | 1:49.52 |
| 2022 | Cyberknife | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Gold Square LLC | 1:46.24 |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Juddmonte | 1:47.38 |
| 2020 | Authentic | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | Spendthrift Farm, MyRacehorse Stable, Madaket Stables & Starlight Racing | 1:50.45 |
Analyzing the pace setup is crucial when predicting the outcome of the 2026 edition. Iron Honor and Napoleon Solo possess early speed and will likely press the pace from the start, while Baby Vino will chase closely behind. This projected fast early pace will set up perfectly for a tactical stalker like Further Ado or an explosive closer like The Puma. We recommend scanning the multiple BUSR betting combinations to secure the most favorable Haskell Stakes odds before locking in your exotic tickets.
For exotic wagers, we highly recommend structuring an Exacta key using Further Ado on top of The Puma and Napoleon Solo. If you prefer higher payouts, consider a Trifecta wheel placing Further Ado and Napoleon Solo in the first and second slots, while using Ocelli and Baby Vino for third. Pace projection remains the single most important factor for success in Haskell Stakes betting this summer. If you want to bet on Haskell Stakes runners successfully, you must structure your tickets to maximize leverage.
The stage is officially set for an epic showdown at Monmouth Park as seven elite three-year-olds prepare to battle for glory. From the tactical brilliance of Further Ado to the championship pedigree of Napoleon Solo, this race offers everything a horse racing fan could desire. Now is the perfect time to review the Haskell Stakes odds and establish your bankroll. Sign up today to join the elite circle of players dominating the Haskell Stakes betting pools. Do not wait for the gates to open; register your account right now to bet on Haskell Stakes contenders and secure your premium welcome bonus.
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.
