Led by the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) for 3-year-olds, Monmouth Park is set to offer $5.85 million in stakes races when the track kicks off its 81st season May 9.
Last year's Haskell was won by Journalism as part of a classic-winning campaign when the colt captured the Preakness Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and San Felipe Stakes (G2), and placed in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Pacific Classic Stakes (G1).
This year's race meet, which runs through Sept. 13, will feature 36 total stakes, including nine graded events.
In addition to the 1 1/8-mile Haskell, the July 18 card will host the $500,000 Molly Pitcher Stakes, recently upgraded to grade 2 status; $500,000 United Nations Stakes (G2T); $350,000 Monmouth Cup Stakes (G3); $300,000 Matchmaker Stakes (G3T); and $100,000 Wolf Hill Stakes.
In preparation for the premier Haskell program, Monmouth Park will offer a "Haskell Preview Day" with four stakes events June 13—Salvator Mile Stakes (G3), Eatontown Stakes (G3T), and the listed Pegasus and Monmouth stakes. Other graded stakes offered this season at Monmouth are the July 25 Monmouth Oaks (G3) for 3-year-old fillies, and the Aug. 15 Philip H. Iselin Stakes (G3) for horses 3 and up.
The entire stakes schedule can be found here.
