Kentucky-bred Journalism solidified his status as one of the top 3-year-old colts in the country with a rallying win in the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) on Saturday, April 5.
Ridden by Umberto Rispoli in the 1 1/8-mile fixture, Journalism surged past Baeza in the stretch inside the final furlong to score by three-quarters of a length. Journalism had been tracking the early pace along the inside but had to momentarily take up entering the far turn. He regained his momentum and overcame the trouble in a compact field of five.
“That’s such a good animal to be able to get out of there,” Rispoli said. “It’s rare for a horse to get held up at the three-eighths pole and to get back in the race that way. It’s always difficult, especially for such a big horse. But he has such an amazing style and is just an amazing horse.
“I was trapped on the fence, and I thought, ‘Wow, this isn’t looking good,’” Rispoli added. “And I knew my only way out was to push Barnes a little bit. I got through.”
Owned by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Robert LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor (Lessee), Journalism stopped the clock in 1:49.56.
Journalism A Leading Kentucky Derby Contender
Winning trainer Michael McCarthy said of the winning trip, “He had me worried for a jump or two. Special horse.
“I saw a little bit of adversity today, which you saw around the far turn,” McCarthy continued. “It took him a little bit to get his feet under him, but once Umberto was able to wheel him outside, he started getting him through his gears. He started to pick it up towards the end, leveled off nicely. He looked like he finished up well and galloped out well.”
Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation, Journalism is by Curlin out of the Uncle Mo mare Mopotism. With the win, Journalism improved to 5-4-0-1 with $638,880 in earnings. Prior to the Santa Anita Derby, it was announced that the bay colt was going to stand at Coolmore following his racing career. Journalism won the San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita on March 1. He closed out his juvenile campaign last year with a victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).
Following his Santa Anita Derby score, Journalism is ranked second with 122.5 points. Only Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman has more with 129 points.