The Grade I NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes returns to Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as Race 12 on the card. This $1 million dirt route for 3-year-olds spans 1⅛ miles, serving as a pivotal summer test and a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With Triple Crown veterans and rising stars in the gate, this year’s Haskell promises fireworks on the Jersey Shore.
Top Contenders & Pedigree Profiles
| Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree Highlights | Morning Line Odds |
| Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | Michael McCarthy | Curlin × Mopotism (Uncle Mo) | 4-5 Favorite |
| Goal Oriented | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | Not This Time × Bizzy Caroline (Afleet Alex) | 4-1 |
| Gosger | Luis Saez | Brendan Walsh | Nyquist × Gloria S (Tapit) | 9-2 |
| Burnham Square | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Ian Wilkes | Liam’s Map × Linda (Tiznow) | 5-1 |
| Bracket Buster | John Velazquez | Victoria Oliver | Vekoma × Spring Dance (Dance With Ravens) | 10-1 |
| National Law | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Jorge Duarte Jr. | Constitution × Susie’s Baby (Giant’s Causeway) | 20-1 |
| Kentucky Outlaw | Florent Geroux | Felissa Dunn | Outwork × Fend (Ghostzapper) | 15-1 |
| Wildncrazynight | Isaac Castillo | Dan Ward | Midnight Lute × Proud to Be Wild (Wildcat Heir) | 30-1 |
Pedigree Power Plays
Journalism, by Curlin, is the class standout with wins in the Preakness Stakes and Santa Anita Derby, plus runner-up finishes in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. His dam Mopotism adds Grade 1 depth and stamina. Goal Oriented, trained by Bob Baffert, enters off three bullet workouts at Santa Anita. His sire Not This Time is a rising force in dirt routing pedigrees. Gosger, by Nyquist, nearly upset Journalism in the Preakness and has tactical speed and grit. Burnham Square, a Grade 1 winner in the Blue Grass Stakes, is bred for stamina and late kick with Liam’s Map and Tiznow in his bloodline.
Jockey & Trainer Dynamics
Umberto Rispoli makes his Monmouth debut aboard Journalism, who’s earned over $3.2 million and boasts Beyer Speed Figures over 100 in four straight starts. Flavien Prat and Bob Baffert reunite with Goal Oriented, seeking Baffert’s record-extending 10th Haskell victory. Luis Saez, aboard Gosger, is known for aggressive positioning and nearly stole the Preakness. Brian Hernandez Jr. and Ian Wilkes team up with Burnham Square, a consistent closer with over $1 million in earnings.
Race Strategy
Journalism will likely stalk the pace and pounce late, using his stamina and class to dominate. Goal Oriented and Bracket Buster may press the pace early, setting up a tactical duel. Gosger and Burnham Square could benefit from a hot pace and close late. National Law and Kentucky Outlaw are longshots with upside if the race falls apart up front.
