Last week was a busy week in terms of stakes races in North America with 47, highlighted by Iowa Derby day at Prairie Meadows and Indiana Derby day at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
The 59th edition of the $1 million NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes will be held Saturday, July 18 at Monmouth Park and the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds serves as the first marquee race in the division since the end of the Triple Crown series in early June.
The $300,000 San Diego Handicap for 3-year-olds and older was moved to opening weekend for 2026 and serves as the co-feature of Saturday’s card at Del Mar along with the $200,000 San Clemente Handicap, a one-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies.
Wathnan Racing's Leading Change backed up an impressive 6 1/2-length career debut win last month by jumping immediately into graded stakes company and winning the $300,000 Grade 3 Indiana Derby July 11 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
The $1 million NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes July 18 serves as the signature race at the 2026 Monmouth Park meet, and this year’s edition is expected to feature a strong cast of runners to compete in the 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 stakes for 3-year-olds.
