Journalism wins $1 million Haskell Stakes to earn

Journalism proved again what a great competitor and tremendous horse he’s, rallying from next to final on the backstretch to win the $1-million Haskell Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.

The stretch run was classic but Journalism’s begin in the 1 1/8-mile race was poor as the 3-year-old broke seventh in the eight-horse subject. He appeared to battle, taking a honest quantity of kickback from the considerably muddy monitor. But around the far flip he moved to the skin and began to decide off horses, virtually coming even with Gosger and Goal Oriented, who have been side-by-side on the rail, at the highest of the stretch.

He still regarded overwhelmed mid-stretch but with about a furlong to go he bought actual , working in about 4 path, nicely clear of the opposite horses. Then his stride bought more highly effective and he breezed to a half-length win. It was his sixth win in 9 lifetime races.

“I don’t think he broke as well as we would have liked [Saturday],” stated Michael McCarthy, Journalism’s coach. “As soon as they got to the backside, he started engaging a little bit, but not quite like we’ve seen in previous races. It took him a little while to get to the front. I’m not sure if that was by design from [jockey] Umberto [Rispoli], but with a target in front of him. He’s just a different horse.”

Journalism, who went off at 2-5, paid $2.80 to win. Gosger was second adopted by Goal Oriented, Bracket Buster, Burnham Square, National Law, Kentucky Outlaw and Wildncrazynight.

The win gave Journalism a free, bills paid journey to the Breeders’ Cup on Nov. 1 at Del Mar. The Haskell is an element of the win-and-in program that helps to get the best horses to the Breeders’ Cup.

The huge query is where will Journalism run next. Given that he’s primarily based in Southern California, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him in the Pacific Classic on Aug. 30 at Del Mar. It can be a good prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic for a couple causes. It can be his first race against older horses (outlined as horses 4 and older) and also that the Breeders’ Cup is at Del Mar.

Journalism broke his maiden at Del Mar on Nov. 17. It would also imply no journey, a huge plus contemplating Journalism has not run in Southern California since April 5 when he received the Santa Anita Derby. Saturday was his sixth race in 5 months and in 5 totally different states.

Another option, and doubtless the one favored by most followers, could possibly be the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Aug. 23 for a potential rematch with Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Sovereignty. The Journalism-Sovereignty rivalry has been the best the game has seen in a few years. Sovereignty has received both of their conferences, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, while Journalism received the Preakness, a race that Sovereignty skipped because of the 2 weeks of spacing between the first and second legs of the Triple Crown.

Journalism was the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races.

Trainer McCarthy performed his playing cards close when requested after the race what was up next for Journalism.

“Judging by the amount of mud on him, a pretty hot bath, a nice hot bubble bath and we’ll get him back to the barn,” McCarthy stated. “We’ll enjoy this tonight and kind of think about what we’re going to do from here.”

Journalism was an $825,000 buy by Eclipse Thoroughbreds, which incorporates Don Alberto Corp. as an investor. He was sired by Curlin with Mopotism as the mare. The daughter of Uncle Mo was euthanized on July 15 after issues from colic, a gastrointestinal challenge. Mopotism, who ran in Southern California for coach Doug O’Neill, was 11 when she died.