Journalism proved once more what an excellent competitor and tremendous horse he’s, rallying from subsequent 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 however Journalism’s begin within the 1 1/8-mile race was poor because the 3-year-old broke seventh within the eight-horse discipline. He appeared to wrestle, taking a good quantity of kickback from the considerably muddy monitor. However across the far flip he moved to the skin and began to choose off horses, virtually coming even with Gosger and Purpose Oriented, who have been side-by-side on the rail, on the high of the stretch.
He nonetheless seemed overwhelmed mid-stretch however with a few furlong to go he received actual , working in about 4 path, nicely away from the opposite horses. Then his stride received extra 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],” mentioned 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 Purpose Oriented, Bracket Buster, Burnham Sq., Nationwide Legislation, 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 a part of the win-and-in program that helps to get the most effective horses to the Breeders’ Cup.
The large query is the place will Journalism run subsequent. Given that he’s based mostly in Southern California, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him within the Pacific Basic on Aug. 30 at Del Mar. It might be an excellent prep for the Breeders’ Cup Basic for a pair causes. It might be his first race towards older horses (outlined as horses 4 and older) and in addition that the Breeders’ Cup is at Del Mar.
Journalism broke his maiden at Del Mar on Nov. 17. It might additionally imply little journey, an enormous plus contemplating Journalism has not run in Southern California since April 5 when he gained the Santa Anita Derby. Saturday was his sixth race in 5 months and in 5 completely different states.
Another choice, and certain the one favored by most followers, may very well be the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Aug. 23 for a possible rematch with Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Sovereignty. The Journalism-Sovereignty rivalry has been the most effective the game has seen in just a few years. Sovereignty has gained each of their conferences, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, whereas Journalism gained the Preakness, a race that Sovereignty skipped due to the 2 weeks of spacing between the primary and second legs of the Triple Crown.
Journalism was the one horse to run in all three Triple Crown races.
Coach McCarthy performed his playing cards shut when requested after the race what was up subsequent 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 mentioned. “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 because the mare. The daughter of Uncle Mo was euthanized on July 15 after problems from colic, a gastrointestinal problem. Mopotism, who ran in Southern California for coach Doug O’Neill, was 11 when she died.
