The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching in just a few weeks, and the pressure is undoubtedly intensifying for the trainers with their horses entered in the race. Bob Baffert began the season with lofty ambitions during the prep races, but as the competition intensified, he found himself challenged. Nonetheless, he successfully entered three horses; however, with a calculated approach, he is now focused solely on running Citizen Bull and Rodriguez in the Run for the Roses.
Madaket Road is set to compete at Churchill Downs in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile Stakes. However, have you heard? At present, numerous horses are engaged in workouts, and it appears that the frontrunner for the Kentucky Derby has also completed one.
On X, sdhorserace reported: “Journalism worked 4-furlongs in :47 at the Santa Anita Park Saturday for Michael McCarthy. 2/83. It’s the son of Curlin’s first work since his win in the G1 Santa Anita Derby (4-5). The Kentucky Derby favorite is scheduled to ship out to Churchill Downs Tuesday.” Why should Bob Baffert exercise caution, you ask?
A timed workout of 4 furlongs (half a mile) was completed in 47 seconds on Saturday at Santa Anita Park in California. The impressive speed suggests that the racehorse trained by McCarthy is in outstanding physical shape. The horse showcased remarkable speed, finishing as the second fastest among 83 competitors during the workout, further highlighting his sharpness and readiness for the upcoming challenges.
Journalism worked 4-furlongs in :47 at @santaanitapark Saturday for @mwmracing. 2/83. It’s the son of Curlin’s first work since his win in the G1 Santa Anita Derby (4-5). The Kentucky Derby favorite is scheduled to ship out to Churchill Downs Tuesday
@ErnieBPhoto93 pic.twitter.com/3muDQdxUyU
— sdhorserace (@sdhorserace) April 19, 2025
This workout marked his initial timed training session following his victory in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5. That victory served as a significant preparatory event for the Kentucky Derby, reinforcing Journalism’s position as a leading contender. Indeed, the horse is on a remarkable winning streak, and one can only speculate that he might just secure the Kentucky Derby title for his trainer. What factors contributed to the ascent of Journalism as a potential favorite?
Popularity that rivaled Bob Baffert’s horses
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, the horses trained by Bob Baffert inevitably draw significant attention. However, on this occasion, the field has demonstrated its value on the track. The colt was born on February 6, 2022, bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation. He is the offspring of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and Mopotism, a mare with multiple graded stakes victories and Grade 1 placements, sired by Uncle Mo.
Under the guidance of Michael McCarthy and backed by an alliance that includes Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, and Robert V. LaPenta, Journalism boasts an impressive record of 5 starts, achieving 4 victories and a third-place finish, with total earnings of $638,880 thus far. Among his notable achievements are the triumphs at the 2024 Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, the 2025 Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, and the prestigious 2025 Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. What are the most intriguing victories among them?
The standout performance in the field thus far took place at the Santa Anita Derby. With Umberto Rispoli in the saddle, the colt navigated early challenges to clinch a commanding win, completing the 1⅛-mile race in 1:49.56. This victory not only represented his third straight stakes win, but also reinforced his position as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby.
The triumph was especially remarkable considering the fierce competition, featuring distinguished contenders such as Baeza and Bob Baffert’s Citizen Bull. Only time will reveal how he will perform against the competition at Churchill Downs in the coming weeks.
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