The 2025 Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Preakness winner Journalism leading as the 4-5 favorite. Can the Triple Crown standout fend off a field of hungry challengers?
Among the contenders, stakes winners like Gosger and Bracket Buster loom as potential upsetters, while local hopefuls add emotional stakes to the race. With a Breeders’ Cup Classic berth on the line, this year’s Haskell promises high drama and fierce competition.
- Journalism is the 4-5 favorite for the 2025 Haskell Stakes, fresh off a Preakness victory and strong Triple Crown performances under trainer Michael McCarthy’s shrewd strategy.
- Top challengers include Gosger (Lexington Stakes winner) and Bracket Buster (Pegasus Stakes victor), while Bob Baffert’s Goal Oriented seeks his 10th Haskell win for the legendary trainer.
- The race serves as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with coverage starting at 5 p.m. EST on NBC and an anticipated 5:45 p.m. post time at Monmouth Park.
Haskell Stakes 2025: Will Journalism Triple Crown Success Lead to Another Victory?
Preakness winner Journalism enters the Haskell Stakes as the 4-5 morning line favorite after his impressive Triple Crown campaign. The Michael McCarthy-trained colt has shown remarkable consistency, finishing in the money in all eight career starts. His recent performances suggest he’s peaking at the right time, making him the horse to beat at Monmouth Park.
The key question isn’t whether Journalism deserves favorite status – his resume speaks for itself – but whether he can handle the unique challenges of Monmouth’s track. Unlike Churchill Downs or Pimlico, Monmouth presents tighter turns and often different track conditions that can unsettle even seasoned contenders.
Who Can Challenge Journalism? Gosger Emerges as Top Contender
Among Journalism’s rivals, Gosger has drawn significant attention with his improving pattern of Equibase Speed Figures. The NJ-bred colt enters with a perfect 2-for-2 record at Monmouth Park, including a dominant performance in the Pegasus Stakes where he won by seven lengths.
Gosger’s Local Connection Adds Emotional Storyline
Trainer Kelly Breen and owner John Bowers have emphasized how special a Haskell win would be for New Jersey racing. Gosger’s front-running style could prove problematic for Journalism if he gets loose on the lead.
Dark Horse Alert: Can Bracket Buster Pull Off the Haskell Upset?
While most attention focuses on Journalism and Gosger, Bracket Buster presents intriguing odds at 12-1. The Todd Pletcher trainee skipped the Triple Crown but has been working brilliantly at Saratoga, posting consecutive bullet workouts.
Monmouth Park Weather Forecast: How Will Track Conditions Affect the Haskell?
The unpredictable Jersey Shore weather always factors into Haskell outcomes. Forecasts suggest possible scattered showers that could create a sloppy track – conditions under which Journalism has never raced.
Haskell Stakes Post Positions Analysis: Who Got the Best Draw?
Journalism landed post position 2, typically advantageous at Monmouth. Gosger will break from the 5 hole while Bracket Buster got the far outside 8 post, forcing him to use extra energy early.
Haskell Stakes Betting Strategies: Best Value Picks Beyond the Favorite
With Journalism at such short odds, smart handicappers are looking at exacta and trifecta combinations using Gosger, Bracket Buster, and possibly Goal Oriented to boost payouts.
Longshot Special: Kentucky Outlaw at 20-1
The son of Tapit has shown early speed in route races and could dictate terms if Gosger doesn’t fire. His Long Branch Stakes win suggests he can handle Monmouth’s surface.
What Does Haskell Success Mean for Breeders’ Cup Classic?
The Haskell serves as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. A strong performance here could establish Journalism as the fall’s leading older horse contender.
How to Watch Haskell Stakes 2025: TV Schedule and Streaming Options
NBC will broadcast the Haskell Stakes coverage beginning at 5 p.m. EST, with post time scheduled for approximately 5:45 p.m. EST. Streaming will be available through Peacock and the NBC Sports app.
Journalism is the obvious pick, but don’t sleep on Gosger. That Jersey connection could fuel an emotional upset 🏇 #HaskellStakes
Emotion doesn’t win races, form does. Journalism demolished the Preakness field and the Matt Winn was just a tune-up.
As a NJ native, I’d LOVE to see Gosger take it. Clarke’s story gives me chills – racing needs these fairytales.
Baffert’s absence changes everything. His horses always dominated this race. Now it’s wide open for Wilkes’ Journalism to stamp his class.
Oddsmakers are sleeping on Bracket Buster. That Pegasus Stakes win was no fluke – 7 lengths in the slop? Dark horse alert 🚨
Slop specialists rarely translate to fast tracks. Haskell day looks dry – advantage Journalism.
Who cares about the favorite? I’m just here for the Monmouth Park party scene. Horses are a nice background decoration 🍹
Ian Wilkes comparing Journalism to McCraken gives me pause. That Haskell loss still hurts – history might repeat with another near-miss.