Kentucky Derby 2025: McCarthy postpones Journalism's breeze

Trainer Michael McCarthy planned to work likely Kentucky Derby 2025 favorite Journalism on Saturday morning, but postponed the drill to Sunday due to the condition of the track.

"I thought the racetrack was a little bit stickier than we would have liked, so, go ahead, get a good racetrack tomorrow," McCarthy said. Journalism did gallop Saturday at Churchill Downs, but did not do a timed breeze.

Aron Wellman, founder of Journalism's co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, was on board with the decision. "In a perfect world, we would have worked today, seven days out from the race. But, not being 100% comfortable with the track condition we just decided to err on the side of caution, wait an extra day. We know the weather will be good today, have a good, clean track tomorrow."

Umberto Rispoli, Journalism's regular rider, flew in on a red-eye from California for the work in Louisville. He flew back to California to ride at Santa Anita, where he has six mounts including morning-line favorite Tirupati in the Royal Heroine (G3). According to Wellman, Rispoli knew there was a risk the Saturday work would get canceled, and he is expected to try to fly back out on another overnight flight to breeze Journalism on Sunday morning at Churchill Downs.

Despite the delayed workout, McCarthy is pleased with how the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner is settling in at Churchill Downs. "The horse has been great here over the last five days. No complaints."

When looking at the pace for the Kentucky Derby, McCarthy expects that Journalism will take advantage of his tactical speed. "He could bounce out of there and put himself close. So, we'll hope for a good post position, see how he breaks. I would imagine he'd probably be in that first flight of horses."