Further Ado comes into the Haskell off an impressive win in the Matt Winn Stakes and is our top selection
Julie Clark Coady Photography
The Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park serves as a critical stepping‑stone toward both the Travers Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With a $1 million purse, the July 18 contest features seven three‑year‑old colts, each eager to secure a spot in the prestigious Travers at Saratoga and earn an automatic berth in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic. The “win‑and‑you‑are‑in” series adds extra urgency, making Monmouth the East Coast springboard for top‑level summer racing.
1. Star Sweeper
Trainer: Louis Linder
Jockey: Luis Rivera
Odds: 30‑1
Star Sweeper (post 1) has been winless this season after a fifth‑place finish in the Pegasus Stakes on June 13. The 30‑1 shot relies on a strong break from the inside to lead, but he has not previously competed at this graded level, making a breakthrough unlikely.
2. Further Ado
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Odds: 2‑1
Further Ado (post 2) enters off a dominant victory in the Matt Winn Stakes and a solid Bluegrass Stakes win, establishing him as the early favorite at 2‑1. The Gun Runner colt’s stalking style and finishing kick make him well‑suited for Monmouth’s distance, positioning him as our top selection.
3. Baby Vino
Trainer: Lindsay Schultz
Jockey: Jorge Vargas
Odds: 15‑1
Baby Vino (post 3) comes off two consecutive wins, including a victory in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth, showcasing his ability to stalk and close. The Vino Rosso son will face a higher class of competition and a deep‑running stretch, tempering expectations despite his recent form.
4. The Puma
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Luis Saez
Odds: 7‑2
The Puma (post 4) is a consistent performer, having placed in the top three of all four career starts, highlighted by a nose‑second finish in the Florida Derby. After a brief layoff due to a minor health issue, the Essential Quality son returns with a proven jockey and a solid résumé, though his fresh‑off‑the‑break form remains a variable.
5. Iron Honor
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Odds: 3‑1
Iron Honor (post 5) bypassed the Kentucky Derby after a seventh‑place Wood Memorial effort as the favorite, then posted a runner‑up finish in the Preakness lacking a decisive closing kick. The colt captured his first two starts and pairs with a top rider, but his stamina and finish may relegate him to a placing.
LAUREL, MARYLAND – MAY 16: Napoleon Solo #10 ridden by jockey Paco Lopez crosses the finish line to win the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026 in Laurel, Maryland. For the first and only time, Laurel Park is hosting the Preakness Stakes which is the second race of the Triple Crown jewel due to the traditional home of the race of the Pimlico Race Course undergoing complete renovations. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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6. Napoleon Solo
Trainer: Chad Summers
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Odds: 5‑2
Napoleon Solo (post 6) presents a dual narrative: a Preakness victor who stalked and powered home versus a three‑year‑old that has been unremarkable in his first two starts. Recent workouts suggest he is ready to press the pace from the break, making him a potential gate‑to‑wire contender and a viable exotic‑bet addition.
7. Eyes
Trainer: D Whitworth Beckman
Jockey: Tyler Gafflione
Odds: 6‑1
Eyes (post 7) remains winless in nine starts but has amassed $829,800 and delivered solid placings in key stakes, including a third in the Wood Memorial, a third in the Kentucky Derby, a fourth in the Preakness and a runner‑up in the Ohio Derby. The Connect son is battle‑tested, yet his recent record suggests he will not break through at this stage.
