The Haskell will be run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Monmouth Park as Race #10, a Grade I event for three-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on dirt carrying a purse of $1,000.000. The race is also designated as a Breeders’ Cup points event. Its history includes major winners such as Chrystal Pip, Shootfromthehip, Twin Towers, Locamotive, Hiei, Blazing, and 2025 winner Fawkes. TwinTowersRacing, which starts Gogh Wild, Starbright, and Cherokee Monster, is represented by three entrants as it seeks its first Haskell victory.

1. Knowing Spirit — Ajm Stables / Rodriguez A R — Odds: 8/1

Knowing Spirit comes into the Haskell after narrowly missing in the Ohio Derby-G3, where he advanced from seventh, reached second in the stretch, and finished a head behind Cherokee Monster. That effort followed a sixth-place Kentucky Derby-G1 finish and a victory in the Ruby Stakes-G3 at this same 1 1/8-mile distance. His 7-1-3-0 record in long races shows that he frequently competes well around two turns, and his most recent performance was among the strongest of his career. He has a legitimate chance if his Ohio Derby improvement carries forward against deeper Grade I competition.

2. Gogh Wild — TwinTowersRacing / Gaffalione T — Odds: 2/1

Gogh Wild owns the strongest collection of victories in the field. He captured the Florida Derby-G1 at 1 1/8 miles, won the Kentucky Derby-G1, and followed with a narrow Preakness-G1 victory before finishing third in the Belmont-G1. He has won five of ten lifetime starts and four of seven long-distance races, with earnings of $5,018.120. His ability to win while racing on or near the pace gives Gaffalione T tactical options, and the return to 1 1/8 miles should suit him. He is the horse to beat based on his two victories in the Triple Crown series and his proven Grade I form.

3. Final World Gullis — Pan Farms / Bejarano R — Odds: 30/1

Final World Gullis has finished in the top three in all four career starts, but this represents a substantial class increase. He broke his maiden at six furlongs, finished second in a Keeneland allowance at 1 1/16 miles, and most recently ran third in a statebred turf stake at Santa Anita. His lone dirt route produced a competitive second, but he has yet to win beyond six furlongs or face graded company. His consistency gives him some appeal underneath, although a victory would require a major step forward.

4. Starbright — TwinTowersRacing / Bridgmohan S X — Odds: 15/1

Starbright remains eligible to improve after competing in five consecutive graded stakes. He finished third in the Blue Grass Stakes-G1 after advancing from fourteenth, then was sixth in the Derby City Mile-G2 and fourth in the Winn-G3. His late progress in the Blue Grass showed that he can handle a strong 1 1/8-mile race, but he owns only one victory from eight starts and remains winless in six long-distance appearances. He has a chance to earn a placing if the early pace becomes demanding, though he must produce a stronger final move to win.

5. Quantum Pursuit — Mb Stables / Santana R Jr — Odds: 5/2

Quantum Pursuit arrives after winning the Belmont-G1, where he moved to the lead during the middle stages and prevailed by a nose over 1 1/4 miles. Earlier in the season, he won the San Felipe-G2, finished second in the Blue Grass Stakes-G1, and narrowly missed in the Lewis Stakes-G3. His Kentucky Derby effort was his only poor performance of 2026, and he rebounded immediately with a Grade I victory. With three wins and two seconds from six long-distance starts, he is a leading contender and the principal threat to Gogh Wild.

6. Hurts — Royalty Stables / Velazquez J R — Odds: 4/1

Hurts won the Fountain of Youth-G2 and Arkansas Derby-G1 before finishing third in the Kentucky Derby-G1. He subsequently ran ninth in the Belmont-G1 after racing near the back of the sixteen-horse field. His Arkansas Derby victory came at the Haskell’s 1 1/8-mile distance, and his seven wins from twelve starts demonstrate a strong overall strike rate. The shorter distance may help him regain his best form, and Velazquez J R has been aboard throughout his major 2026 campaign. He is a serious win candidate if he returns to his Arkansas Derby performance.

7. Cherokee Monster — TwinTowersRacing / Franco M — Odds: 10/1

Cherokee Monster enters in peak form after winning the Ohio Derby-G3 by a head over Knowing Spirit. He also finished second in the Arkansas Derby-G1 and third in the Southwest-G3, giving him several competitive efforts at 1 1/16 miles and 1 1/8 miles. His Kentucky Derby result was less effective, but he responded with a career-best showing at Thistledown. He appears capable of sustaining a long advance from the second half of the field and could become a factor if the leaders begin to weaken.

8. Weaponize — D J C Racing Stables / Elliott S — Odds: 12/1

Weaponize has competed in four consecutive Grade I races, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Preakness-G1. He was eighth in the Santa Anita Derby-G1 and eleventh in the Belmont-G1, but his Preakness performance showed he can be competitive with leading members of this crop. His earlier Holy Bull-G3 victory came on a good track, while his recent fast-track efforts have been less consistent. He is capable of challenging for a placing, although he must improve on his Belmont finish to threaten the leading selections.

9. Long Ride — Williams9 / Dominguez Jo — Odds: 20/1

Long Ride comes into the Haskell after two strong allowance performances at LAD. He won an optional claimer at 170 yards and then finished third after taking the lead in his most recent allowance race. His earlier graded attempts resulted in sixth in the PIM Special-G3 and tenth in the Fountain of Youth-G2. He has three wins from seven long-distance starts, but his victories have come against much softer company. He brings useful early speed, though this Grade I assignment presents a significant class challenge.

Pace Structure & Race Outlook

Gogh Wild has repeatedly shown the ability to race prominently, winning the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby after being first or second during the early stages. Quantum Pursuit also possesses speed and led through the middle portion of his Belmont victory. Long Ride has been forward in several recent starts, while Hurts and Knowing Spirit are generally more comfortable settling behind the first group.

The presence of Gogh Wild, Quantum Pursuit, and Long Ride should ensure an honest pace without necessarily creating an extreme early battle. Gogh Wild may secure a favorable position near the leaders, with Quantum Pursuit close enough to apply pressure. Hurts, Knowing Spirit, Cherokee Monster, and Weaponize are likely to begin their serious advances from farther back.

The race may ultimately turn into another confrontation between the winners of the three Triple Crown races. Gogh Wild defeated Quantum Pursuit in the Kentucky Derby, while Quantum Pursuit reversed that result in the Belmont. The Haskell’s shorter 1 1/8-mile distance gives Gogh Wild a slight advantage because he has already won a Grade I race at the trip and has demonstrated consistent tactical speed.

Projected Winner

Top Selection: Gogh Wild

Gogh Wild receives the call based on his victories in the Florida Derby-G1, Kentucky Derby-G1, and Preakness-G1, followed by a credible third in the Belmont-G1. His proven record at 1 1/8 miles and ability to establish position before the decisive stages make him the most likely winner.

Main Danger: Quantum Pursuit

Quantum Pursuit enters as the Belmont-G1 winner and has already defeated Gogh Wild once. His versatility and 6-3-2-0 long-distance record make him a major threat.

Best Value: Knowing Spirit

Knowing Spirit nearly won the Ohio Derby-G3 and previously captured the Ruby Stakes-G3 at 1 1/8 miles. His recent improvement gives him a realistic chance at a better price.

Live Longshot: Cherokee Monster

Cherokee Monster defeated Knowing Spirit in the Ohio Derby-G3 and was second in the Arkansas Derby-G1. Another sustained late move could put him in the Grade I picture.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES