Journalism comes out of Santa Anita Derby victory well

Trainer Michael McCarthy reported everything was well with Journalism the day after earning his fourth straight win in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and solidifying his position as this year’s Kentucky Derby favorite.

“All good,” McCarthy said Sunday morning from his stable office.

Journalism rallied to win the Santa Anita Derby by three-quarters of a length after encountering trouble near the eighth pole. While racing on the inside in a tightly bunched field, Journalism was forced to check near the three-eighths pole causing him to lose his momentum. He quickly regrouped, however, and gamely ran down a stubborn Baeza inside the final furlong to provide McCarthy with his first win in Santa Ania’s marquee race for 3-year-olds. The effort earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form.

“I thought he showed a lot of poise being down inside,” McCarthy said. “He had to kind of bide his time and wait for a seam to get through. As I said yesterday, he is amenable to whatever Umberto asks of him.”

Journalism will now “have a couple of easy days and start back at the end of the week,” McCarthy added.

By Curlin out of Mopotism, a graded stakes winning daughter Uncle Mo, Journalism is co-owned by breeder Don Alberto Stable, Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Robert V. LaPenta. He carried the colors of Don Alberto on Saturday.

It’s now less than four weeks until the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs. When Journalism ships to Louisville remains to be determined.

“We’ll see. We’re going to watch the weather and come up with a game plan,” McCarthy said. “We’ll get with everybody and see what we think is best for him.”