Journalism will run in Haskell if weekend work goes well

Journalism, winner of the Preakness and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, likely will start in the Grade 1 Haskell if a weekend breeze goes well.

Aron Wellman, president of co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbreds, confirmed the plan for Horse Racing Nation. "If we are pleased with how he works and his energy out of the breeze, our intention would be to go to the Haskell," he said in a text message.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism has worked twice since the Belmont, going a half-mile in 47.8 seconds June 29 and the same distance in 47.4 seconds Sunday.

Journalism was on a four-race win streak, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1), heading into the Kentucky Derby, where he was the favorite. He lost to Sovereignty by 1 1/2 lengths at Churchill Downs and by three lengths to the same rival in the Belmont. He was the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races.

Eighteen horses were nominated for the 1 1/8-mile Haskell at Monmouth Park on July 19. They include Preakness runner-up Gosger, Blue Grass (G1) winner Burnham Square and Ohio Derby (G3) winner Mo Plex. Sovereignty was not nominated to the Haskell. Trainer Bill Mott told Thoroughbred Daily News the Travers (G1) is the goal for the Kentucky Derby winner, with a possible start in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga on July 26.