By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 1 Haskell Stakes headlines the big 14-race Saturday card at Monmouth Park, bringing together a competitive field of seven 3-year-olds for a $1 million prize. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Haskell has long served as one of the premier summer tests for sophomores, and this year’s edition features several accomplished stakes winners.
With the possibility of rain in the forecast, wet-track pedigrees could become an important handicapping factor. Here’s a horse-by-horse look at the field.
Pace Outlook
Napoleon Solo appears to have the tactical advantage and could control the tempo if left alone on the front end. Further Ado and Iron Honor are expected to settle just behind the leader, while Baby Vino should also be prominent early.
The Puma and Ocelli will likely make their runs from farther back, but without a contested early pace, they may have too much ground to make up in the stretch.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#1 Star Sweeper (30-1)
Star Sweeper faces a difficult assignment after finishing last in the Pegasus Stakes, the local prep for the Haskell. Although he previously earned a stronger speed figure in the Long Branch Stakes, his best efforts still fall short of what will likely be required to win this race.
He will need dramatic improvement against much tougher competition.
#2 Further Ado (2-1)
Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Further Ado enters as the morning line favorite.
His speed figures have alternated between standout performances and more modest efforts throughout his career. His dominant victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes demonstrated his top-end ability, while his most recent win in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes confirmed that he remains in excellent form.
The question is consistency. If he reproduces one of his best races, he is certainly capable of winning.
His pedigree also indicates he should handle a wet surface.
#3 Baby Vino (15-1)
Baby Vino smarty won his last two dirt routes, culminating in an impressive 10-length victory in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth.
While his recent progression is encouraging, this represents a substantial class jump. He is likely to encounter significantly more pace pressure from quality rivals with similar tactical speed, making it difficult to secure the same favorable trip he enjoyed last time.
He remains an improving horse but will need another major leap forward to upset this field.
#4 The Puma (7-2)
The Puma is one of the most intriguing runners in the race.
After winning the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby, he narrowly missed in the Grade 1 Florida Derby before being sidelined with a skin infection that prevented him from competing in the Kentucky Derby.
His recent workouts have been excellent, including a bullet drill leading into this race. However, the nearly four-month layoff raises legitimate questions about race fitness, and a moderate early pace could compromise his late-running style.
His talent is undeniable, but circumstances make this a challenging return.
#5 Iron Honor (3-1)
Iron Honor may still have considerable upside after just four career starts.
Following a troubled effort in the Wood Memorial, trainer Chad Brown removed the blinkers and skipped the Kentucky Derby. The adjustment paid immediate dividends as Iron Honor finished a solid second in the Preakness Stakes despite racing wide throughout.
With additional maturity, steady training, and another opportunity to secure a better trip, he appears poised to deliver another forward move. His pedigree also suggests he can handle wet conditions if rain arrives.
#6 Napoleon Solo (5-2)
Napoleon Solo could prove to be the controlling speed in the Haskell.
After a pair of disappointing efforts earlier this season, he rebounded impressively in the Preakness Stakes, tracking the pace from second before winning by a length and a quarter over Iron Honor.
His tactical versatility is one of his greatest strengths. Whether he sets the pace or sits just off another runner, he has shown the ability to stay involved from the start.
If he secures an uncontested lead—or even an ideal pressing trip—he will be difficult to deny.
#7 Ocelli (6-1)
Although still searching for his first career victory, Ocelli has earned substantial purse money by consistently finishing in the money in major stakes.
His runner-up finish in the Ohio Derby was another strong effort, but his closing style may not suit a race that lacks abundant early speed. Drawing the outside post further complicates matters, as he could lose valuable ground while launching his customary late rally.
A minor award is certainly possible, but a breakthrough victory would require the race to unfold perfectly.
