Journalism works but still does not have next race confirmed

After a Saturday morning drill at Del Mar, connections for Journalism still were not prepared to confirm their Preakness winner would race Aug. 30 in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic.

Lead owner Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trainer Michael McCarthy both texted Horse Racing Nation on Saturday afternoon to say no decision had been made yet.

Workout videos of Journalism and more graded winners.

Journalism and fellow Pacific Classic prospect Nysos put in works that left both their teams happy with their efforts.

For Journalism it was his second time out since his last race, a thrilling victory in the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park last month. The son of Curlin went four furlongs in 48.0 seconds. That was compared with last week’s 48.4.

“He got into a nice rhythm and showed good energy throughout,” McCarthy said. “We had a horse keep head-to-head company with him, and we got pretty much what he’s been doing for the last year. That was good today.”

“We were just turning up the dials on him,” Wellman said. “Had some company to his outside that kept him honest to the wire. Good to see him running through the wire, because the best part for him in a work is the gallop-out. The farther he goes, the better he gets.”

For jockey Umberto Rispoli, it was business as usual.

“Very good,” he said. “A nice work. Nothing changed. Very simple.”

Nysos worked just before Journalism, right after the 7:30 a.m. PDT renovation break. He came surging out of the chute and caught trainer John Sadler’s Mbagnick in the turn. He went seven furlongs in 1:24.6. It was just what trainer Bob Baffert was looking for.

“He’s getting closer,” the Hall of Fame conditioner concluded. “I wanted a strong work out of him, so we gave it to him. He needed it, and he’ll benefit from that.”

Nysos has been pointing to the Pacific Classic since his win in the San Diego (G2) at Del Mar last month. The son of Nyquist put in two works since that race on July 26.

Although Wellman and McCarthy were not tipping their hand Saturday, they have said they could send Journalism to the Travers (G1) next Saturday, the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) next month or just train up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1. They also said there were benefits to staying home at Del Mar, where the Pacific Classic will be run in two weeks.