Haskell Stakes: Gosger Aiming for Success in Upcoming Race
In the world of horse racing, the spotlight is shining brightly on three-year-old Thoroughbred Gosger, who is making waves with his impressive performances this season. The son of Nyquist, trained by Brendan Walsh, is gearing up for a highly anticipated run in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 19.
Gosger's journey to the Haskell Stakes began earlier this year when he finished a close second, just half a length behind Journalism, the Preakness Stakes winner, in the dramatic race. This strong showing behind a top-class rival like Journalism underscores Gosger's high caliber as a 3-year-old racehorse.
The upcoming Haskell Stakes promises to be a thrilling event, featuring a competitive field that includes Journalism, Gosger, Burnham Square (winner of the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes), Bob Baffert-trained Goal Oriented, and local Monmouth runner Bracket Buster, among others. Journalism is confirmed to run pending a successful workout, and Gosger is expected to compete, maintaining his status as a key challenger after his Preakness runner-up finish.
The Haskell Stakes offers a $1 million purse and an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, making it a prestigious race that attracts the best horses. Gosger's team is excited about a run in the Haskell Stakes, as a good showing could serve as a springboard toward a Classic campaign.
Luis Saez will ride Gosger in the Haskell Stakes, a jockey who has developed a strong rapport with the horse. Gosger broke beautifully under Saez in the Preakness Stakes and stalked a solid pace (23.16 opening quarter, 46.66 half mile). Turning for home, Gosger took the lead and rolled clear, a performance that was still considered stellar, despite not winning.
Gosger's record stands at two wins and two second place finishes in four lifetime starts. He made himself well-known with a courageous run in the Preakness Stakes and has shown improved performances in recent training. Trainer Brendan Walsh expresses high confidence in Gosger, stating that he gave signs he was ready for a big test before the Preakness Stakes.
While there is no direct, explicit mention of Gosger's participation in the Breeders' Cup Classic from the latest information, his strong 3-year-old form and anticipated Haskell participation position him as a potential contender for the Fall’s premier event. The Breeders' Cup Classic typically attracts the best older and 3-year-old horses, and a good showing in the Haskell often serves as a springboard toward a Classic campaign. However, the final decisions for such autumn targets often depend on summer racing outcomes and connections’ strategies, as seen with other top horses like Journalism.
As the Haskell Stakes approaches, the racing world eagerly awaits to see if Gosger can continue his upward trajectory and secure a win against a stellar field. Regardless of the outcome, Gosger has certainly established himself as a horse to watch both in the immediate Haskell Stakes and potentially later in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic season.
In the sports world, particularly in horse-racing and horse-racing analysis, Gosger, trained by Brendan Walsh, is anticipated to compete in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 19. The Haskell Stakes, offering a $1 million purse and an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, could serve as a springboard for Gosger towards a potential campaign in the Fall’s premier event, the Breeders' Cup Classic.
