Journalism Stamps Derby Ticket in G1 Santa Anita Derby

Future Coolmore America stallion Journalism added to his already impressive resume on Saturday with a win in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby for a fourth consecutive victory.

Breaking from the inside gate in the 1 1/8-mile Kentucky Derby prep, Journalism had his head in front early before letting two others duel on the front end into the first turn. Journalism kept his rail spot down the backstretch while becoming the back marker in the tightly packed field, but was never far from being able to make a move for the win.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli left Journalism to do his job down the backstretch, but as they raced into the far turn started to strongly urge him to go after the leaders.

Racing wide down the stretch, Journalism flew up the middle of the track to confront the late leading Baeza in the final furlong. Baeza couldn’t counter the attack, finishing second by three quarters of a length with the rest of the field 9 ¼ lengths back.

“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 in 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.’

Raced by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, and Robert LaPenta with the Coolmore partners, Journalism is trained by Michael McCarthy. That trainer has also trained Journalism to victories in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes and Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity in his other two stakes starts.

An $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate bred by co-owner Don Alberto, the Curlin 3-year-old is the first foal out of the Grade II winner and multiple Grade I-placed Mopotism. That daughter of Coolmore America’s late Uncle Mo is out of a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Songster.

A leading contender for this year’s Grade I Kentucky Derby, Journalism is scheduled to join the Coolmore America roster at the conclusion of his career.