The triumphant Preakness Stakes competitor, Journalism, exhibited a persistent surge, overtaking Goal Oriented and Gosger close to the finish line, securing victory in the $1 million Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes on July 19 at Monmouth Park.
Piloted by his usual jockey, Umberto Rispoli, Journalism, the overwhelming favorite, initiated his run from seventh position within the eight-horse field, progressing four wide on the final turn and attaining third place at the entrance to the homestretch. As Gosger and Goal Oriented contended for the lead in the stretch, Journalism intensified his effort on the outside, ultimately surpassing them to claim a half-length victory. Gosger concluded in second, with Goal Oriented a neck behind in third.
Mirroring the order of finish from the Preakness, Journalism once more demonstrated his ability to pursue and overtake Gosger in the concluding stages to emerge victorious. The half-length margin of victory matched that of the second jewel of the Triple Crown, as Journalism secured his third Grade 1 win of the year.
The final time for the 1 1/8 miles on the fast dirt track was 1:48.15. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism’s victory paid $2.80.
Through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “win and you’re in” series, Journalism’s Haskell victory guarantees him an automatic, fees-paid entry into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 1 at Del Mar.
Amid a vibrant atmosphere with 41,876 spectators – the largest attendance at Monmouth Park since 2015 when Triple Crown victor American Pharoah triumphed – Journalism initiated his first start since June 7, having participated in all three Triple Crown races, culminating in a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets.
“It’s been an incredible journey, but there have been some stressful moments, too,” expressed Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, the managing partner of the ownership group. “Michael meticulously prepared this horse to perfection. (Jockey Umberto Rispoli) guided this horse flawlessly. We witnessed the champion (Journalism) he is. We formulated a plan, and he executed it flawlessly. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
From Gosger’s perspective, The Haskell marked the second consecutive instance in which the Brendan Walsh-trained son of Nyquist delivered an exceptional performance, only to be relegated to second place behind Journalism.
“(Jockey Luis Saez) executed a brilliant ride, and we were once again narrowly defeated by an exceptional horse. I am not at all disappointed in the horse,” remarked Walsh. “Luis rode him perfectly. Gosger ran his heart out. We cannot ask for anything more.”
McCarthy conveyed his admiration for Gosger’s recent efforts.
“Gosger is a truly outstanding horse in his own right. It necessitated a tremendous effort to surpass him. Respect to him. He has delivered two commendable performances. This is a remarkable group of 3-year-olds,” McCarthy acknowledged.
The Haskell marked Journalism’s sixth victory in nine career starts, elevating his earnings to $3,798,880.
McCarthy indicated that Journalism would depart Monmouth on either July 21 or 22, returning to his base in California. This creates the potential for a start against older horses in the Grade 1 FanDuel Pacific Classic Stakes on August 30 at Del Mar for his subsequent race.
Regarding a potential third encounter between Journalism, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve winner, and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty, McCarthy did not dismiss the possibility of the Grade 1 DraftKings Travers Stakes on August 23 at Saratoga Race Course. However, he did not commit to it definitively.
“Everything remains under consideration,” McCarthy stated.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 1 at Del Mar could potentially serve as the stage for another showdown between Journalism and Sovereignty.
As for Gosger, Walsh indicated that the Travers was a possibility, contingent on his condition following the Haskell.
Wagering from all sources reached $21,999,962, establishing a third consecutive year in which Monmouth has achieved a non-Breeders’ Cup track wagering record on Haskell day.
