The road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic runs right through Monmouth Park this weekend, and it's bringing a cool $1 million with it. We've got seven three-year-old colts battling it out on Saturday, July 18, in the Haskell Stakes, and the winner gets a guaranteed spot in the 2026 year-end World Championships. This mile and an eighth sprint over East Coast dirt is also a crucial stepping stone to the Travers Stakes in August. Our top pick, Further Ado, is heading into this absolutely stacked race fresh off an impressive win in the Matt Winn Stakes, and the pressure is on.
Further Ado Leads The Pack, But Can He Deliver After Derby Heartbreak?
Further Ado is absolutely our horse to beat at 2-1 odds. This son of Gun Runner crushed the Matt Winn Stakes on June 7, a win that followed a powerful score in the Bluegrass Stakes back in April. That kind of form made him a lot of people's top pick for the Kentucky Derby, but he ended up a non-threatening 11th. That Derby run definitely stings, but his stalk and pounce style is just perfectly suited for Monmouth, and that's why we're still backing him. Getting that "win and you are in" for the Breeders' Cup Classic would be huge for his connections and solidify him as a serious contender.Preakness Champ and Layoff Returnee Make This Race a Brawler
Don't think for a second Further Ado has an easy path to that Breeders' Cup spot, though. This field is loaded with serious competition, starting with Napoleon Solo at 5-2 odds. This horse is no joke, winning the Preakness Stakes on May 16 by stalking and then absolutely motoring home. He's proven he can win big races and handle the pressure. Then there's The Puma, a true hard knocker at 7-2. He's been in the top three in all four career starts, but he hasn't raced since March 28, when he finished second by a nose in the Florida Derby. He had to scratch from the Kentucky Derby with a minor health issue, so the big question is how he comes back off that layoff. If he's healthy, with Luis Saez in the saddle, he's a serious threat. You also can't ignore Iron Honor at 3-1, who was second in the Preakness, even if he lacked that closing kick. He's got Flavien Prat, one of the best riders in the game, and that's a huge factor. Baby Vino, at 15-1, has won two in a row, including the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth. He's stepping up in class, but his stalking style could make him dangerous. As for Star Sweeper, winless in 2026 and starting from the inside post at 30-1 odds, it's safe to say he's got a mountain to climb. This Haskell Stakes, kicking off as Race 12 at 5:45 pm ET on July 18, is going to be electric. The winner gets that golden ticket to the Breeders' Cup, and everyone is gunning for it. Further Ado needs to prove he can seal the deal, and The Puma and Napoleon Solo are right there to snatch that glory away. Get ready for a wild ride.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.