The distinguished Haskell Stakes of 2025, hosted at the renowned Monmouth Park, has the spotlight focused on Preakness champion Journalism, currently pinned as the prime contender. Competing for a celebrated spot in the esteemed Breeders’ Cup Classic, the race is set to observe a fierce competition with other formidable competitors such as Gosger, Bracket Buster, and Goal Oriented joining the fray.
The famed Haskell Day event in Monmouth Park has been the stage for many dramatic and unforgettable moments over the past ten years. From the commanding victory of American Pharoah, the celebrated Triple Crown Winner in the NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, with stakes of $1 million in 2015, to Authentic’s prestigious journey from a Haskell race to being crowned Horse of the Year in 2020, Haskell Day has everything to offer horse-racing enthusiasts.
Keeping the tradition alive, last year it was Belmont Stakes victor Dornoch who claimed the grand prize. With such a thrilling history, this year’s 1 1/8-mile event is filled with anticipation. All eyes are on Journalism, the winner of Preakness, who is speculated to be the crowd favorite by race day. However, the competition remains wide open as a myriad of potential dark horses are capable of a shock result.
Considering the intensity of the Haskell Stakes, simply winning here can guarantee the victor a prestigious position in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic. For all the spectators and enthusiasts, here are the morning line odds and post positions for Haskell:
Representing the first post, Bracket Buster 10-1 stumbles into the race after delivering a career-best show in the $150,000 NYRA Bets Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park on June 14. His enthralling seven-length victory over Wildncrazynight amidst the muck was truly a sight to behold. Recalling the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes from three races ago, this front runner found himself in the lead before being overtaken by Gosger.
Journalism 4/5, representing the second post, enters the race with impressive credits including wins in both the Preakness and Santa Anita Derby. Despite narrowly finishing second in the matchups of Kentucky Derby and Belmont, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the colt is expected to be a strong favorite due to his consistent track record and previous victories.
Wildncrazynight 30-1, occupying the third post, recorded earnings of $283,150 from five races since relocating to this barn, highlighted by a notable victory during an allowance match at Monmouth Park.
From the fourth post, we have Burnham Square 5-1, a fierce contender armed with a substantial win in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. With aggregate earnings over $1 million, the gelding is set to be a strong competitor in the race.
From the fifth post comes National Law 20-1. The colt demonstrated an impressive training performance at Monmouth Park on July 12, pacing four furlongs in a composed 47.20 seconds, ready to showcase his talents following a satisfactory fourth position finish in the last NYRA Bets Pegasus Stakes.
Interesting developments can be seen from the sixth post position, where Gosger 9/2 has been showcasing an outstanding season. The colt started this season with a win in a maiden race, followed by an admirable victory in the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes, leaving Bracket Buster two lengths behind. Despite a narrow loss to Journalism in the Preakness, he is still considered a steady player who will keep close to the leaders.
Representing the seventh post, Kentucky Outlaw 15-1 enters the race on the back of a commendable third-place finish in the recent $200,000 Delaware Derby, showing his strength as a pace-setter. He managed to secure an invitation to Haskell following an impressive performance on opening day where he clinched the $100,000 Long Branch Stakes.
From the eighth and final post, Goal Oriented 4-1 steps into the race, supported by three consecutive bullet five furlong workouts at Santa Anita. After settling for fourth place in the Preakness, the somewhat under-raced colt appears prepared to run in top form once again. The excitement is palpable as all participants gear up for the thrills of the 2025 Haskell Stakes.