​OCEANPORT: The Triple Crown chapters are closed, but the second half of the racing season jumps into high gear this Saturday with the $1 million NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. The day’s lineup is stacked, featuring 14 races in total, including seven stakes events—five of them graded. Gates swing open at 9 a.m. local time, and the first race is set for noon.
The national telecast will be carried by NBC Sports, airing from Monmouth Park on Saturday between 5 and 6 p.m. ET. Viewers can also catch the United Nations Stakes and the Haskell Stakes via Peacock streaming. The day’s action includes a mix of top-tier horses, with multiple contenders offering exciting angles for fans and bettors alike.
Star Sweeper, ridden by Luis Rivera Jr. for trainer Louis Linder, opens with 30-12 odds in one of the early stakes slots. Further Ado, the Derby favorite who rebounded from a rough season to win the Matt Winn Stakes, will be doing his best to carry that momentum into the Haskell, piloted by Irad Ortiz Jr. for Brad Cox, at 2-1. Baby Vino, with Jorge Vargas Jr. aboard for Lindsay Schultz, checks in at 15-14.
The Puma, to be ridden by Luis Saez for G. Delgado, sits at 7-2, while Iron Honor, with Flavien Prat for Chad Brown, is listed at 3-1. Napoleon Solo, guided by Paco Lopez for Chad Summers, is at 5-1. Ocelli, under Tyler Gaffalione for Whit Beckman, stands at 6-1. The field’s strength is complemented by NBC Sports’ coverage, ensuring fans get a front-row view of the day’s most tantalizing races.
Two pairings of notes shape race-day expectations. First, Further Ado flashes the most impressive speed figure in the field, boasting a 106 Beyer from his Blue Grass romp at Keeneland. He enters as the Kentucky Derby favorite who faced trouble in the Derby itself and finished 11th; this marks a high-stakes opportunity to prove he can win outside Kentucky. Second, Napoleon Solo is the Preakness winner who is often positioned as the pacesetter—his performance could set the tempo for the race, especially if the surface leans toward speed.
In terms of ground trends, Monmouth’s Haskell Day is traditionally favorable to early speed. With potential rain and a wetter surface in the mix, the track could favor speed horses early, though a clean trip and a patient ride can still yield upside for late-charging contenders. The Preakness winner, Napoleon Solo, has shown recent live form and strong workouts, suggesting he could hit the wire with plenty left if the pace is contested.
The contenders’ form profiles offer several angles:
– Further Ado: Despite a rocky Derby experience, he owns the race’s fastest pace figures and has demonstrated dominance at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. His strength lies in his ability to accelerate off the turn and sustain speed in the stretch, though he’s still searching for a win outside Kentucky.
– The Puma: A talented colt who made a strong impression in the Kentucky Derby before a leg injury forced a late scratch. He has since returned to training with a clear plan toward this race. He has a win over the morning-line favorite in the Tampa Derby and could surprise if he handles the layoff and a potential pace duel.
– Ocelli and Napolean Solo: Both bring tactical versatility. Ocelli is expected to benefit from a clean trip and a patient ride, while Napoleon Solo’s front-running profile could set a tempo that complicates late moves from the rest of the field.
– Iron Honor: A capable closer who could turn the tables on Napoleon Solo if the pace is brisk and the track permits a sustained finish. His readiness to finish strong after a difficult Preakness could be a deciding factor if the early tempo softens later on.
As race day approaches, bettors will weigh the pace scenarios, the horses’ readiness after their latest works, and how the track condition might influence the outcome. The Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park promises a dramatic, action-filled afternoon, with a national audience exposed to some of the sport’s most exciting talent.