Journalism looks like Ky. Derby favorite after Santa Anita win

Journalism punctuated his status as the favorite for Kentucky Derby 2025 on Saturday when he earned a rousing victory under jockey Umberto Rispoli in the Grade 1, $500,000 Santa Anita Derby.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism (1-1) unleashed an outside rally near the quarter pole and surged past leader Baeza (14-1) inside the final furlong to win by three-quarters of a length. The winning rally came after Journalism, who had been tracking the pace along the inside, had to take up momentarily entering the second turn and briefly lost momentum.

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“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.”

“He had me worried for a jump or two,” McCarthy said. “Special horse.”

Baeza, with Hector Berrios aboard for trainer John Shirreffs, finished 8 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Westwood, who also is trained by Shirreffs. Citizen Bull, the 2024 champion 2-year-old male and Saturday’s 2-1 second choice, finished fourth. Barnes (5-2) finished last in the field of five. Citizen Bull and Barnes are trained by Bob Baffert.

Because there were only five starters, the Kentucky Derby qualifying points were reduced by 25%. That meant Journalism and Citizen Bull, who had 60 points coming in, were the only ones assured of having berths in Louisville next month. Baeza, with 37 1/2 points, needs help to get into the 20-horse starting gate.

It was a good start for all in the 88th edition of the Santa Anita Derby. Westwood grabbed the early lead, outfooting Citizen Bull and setting a quarter-mile split of 22.25 seconds. Barnes followed that pair on the outside in third with Journalism tucked along the rail behind the two dueling leaders. Baeza was racing widest in fifth.

Citizen Bull and jockey Martin Garcia moved past Westwood before setting a half-mile fraction of 47.14 seconds. Baeza moved up to third, and Journalism found himself last among a tightly bunched field.

Citizen Bull led Westwood by a head through six furlongs in 1:11.42, which was about the point Journalism had his brief trouble.

“I was trapped on the fence, and I thought, wow, this isn’t looking good,” Rispoli said. “I knew my only way out was to push Barnes a little bit. I got through.”

As Journalism regathered his momentum. Baeza took aim at Citizen Bull and seized the lead. Baeza motored through the stretch and held a one-length lead at the eighth pole, but he was unable to hold off the oncoming rush from Journalism.

“He ran super,” Shirreffs said of Baeza.

Journalism won with a time of 1:49.56 for the 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track. Before the Santa Anita Derby was run, he closed as the 5-1 favorite in the final pool of the pari-mutuel Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

“I saw a little bit of adversity today, which you saw around the far turn,” McCarthy said. “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 (and) leveled off nicely. He looked like he finished up well and galloped out well.”

By Curlin out of Uncle Mo mare Mopotism, Journalism improved to 5: 4-0-1 with $638,880 in earnings. He is owned by an extensive partnership group that includes breeder Don Alberto Stable, Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 and Robert LaPenta.

Before the Santa Anita Derby, it was announced Journalism would stand at Coolmore following his racing career. Coolmore’s Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor were listed on the ownership line as lessees.

Journalism won the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita on March 1. That effort earned a 108 Beyer Speed Figure, according to Daily Racing Form. That was the highest number posted by an active 3-year-old this year. Journalism closed his juvenile campaign with a win in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December.

For Rispoli, 36, a native of Italy, this was his second win in the Santa Anita Derby. He also won it in 2021 with Rock Your World for trainer John Sadler.

McCarthy, who attended Arcadia High School near Santa Anita, this was his first victory in the track’s marquee race for 3-year-olds.

“It’s pretty exciting,” McCarthy said. “It’s a huge day on the Santa Anita calendar, a huge day on any calendar or any kind of Derby before the Kentucky Derby. So to go ahead and be a part of this and be lucky enough to win, it is special.”

Baffert came away disappointed with the efforts from his two colts, particularly Citizen Bull.

“I was discouraged he didn’t get the win today,” Baffert said. “He got tired. He’s a heavy horse. The track was deep today. We will figure this out. We have a week and then we’ll decide what is next.”

About Barnes, Baffert said, “We need to regroup.”

Journalism paid $4.00, $2.80 and $2.10. Baeza returned $6.20 and $3.60. Westwood paid $5.20.