Works + videos: Journalism hits tab, no Pacific Classic decision

Journalism was back out on Del Mar’s main track Saturday morning, enduring the occasional raindrop while putting in a five-furlong work one week before the 34th running of the Grade 1 Pacific Classic.

Whether he will be entered for the $1 million race was a question that still did not get a firm answer from connections.

“We’ll huddle up in the next day or so,” Aron Wellman of lead owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners said in a text Saturday afternoon to Horse Racing Nation.

“No idea,” trainer Michael McCarthy said to the Del Mar media office. “We’ll talk about it here in the next day or so. See what happens across the country today. Aron’s got a lot of moving parts.”

Wellman told Jay Hovdey of Thoroughbred Daily News that if all went well Saturday, Journalism would be entered Tuesday for Del Mar’s signature race next Saturday.

Journalism, the son of Curlin who won the Preakness and Haskell (G1), stopped the clock at 1:00.0, the 30th best time out of 69 runners at the distance. It was the longest of his three works at Del Mar this month and was in company with 5-year-old gelding Phosphorescence. Regular rider Umberto Rispoli was up.

“I thought he went very well,” McCarthy said. “A solid five-eighths with his company. Full of run all the way and a solid gallop-out.”

Two more Pacific Classic possibilities worked Saturday morning at Del Mar. Ultimate Gamble went a bullet six furlongs in 1:11.2, the best of four other works at the distance. A decision on whether the son of Medaglia d’Oro runs in the Pacific Classic also expected from the Mark Glatt barn in the coming days.

Trainer John Sadler sent out Indispensable. The son of Constitution worked five furlongs in 58.0 seconds, the second-best time from 94 runners.

At Saratoga, trainer Todd Pletcher sent out Eclipse Award-winning 4-year-old colt Fierceness for a four-furlong drill that was clocked at 47.42 seconds, fourth-fastest of 94 at the distance. Del Mar’s racing office was awaiting word from owner Mike Repole on his possible arrival for the Classic.

There were 56 graded-stakes winners on the Saturday work tab across America.

Journalism (Curlin), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2025 Haskell, 2025 Preakness, 2025 Santa Anita Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 43rd fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he won the Haskell (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Monmouth Park on July 19 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Fierceness (City of Light), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2024 Travers, 2024 Florida Derby, 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile), worked four furlongs in 47.4 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the fourth fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed fifth in the Whitney (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 2 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2025 Whitney, 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic, 2024 Blue Grass), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 34th fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he won the Whitney (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 2 for trainer Chad Brown.

Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, 2024 American Pharoah), worked five furlongs in 59.4 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 24th fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going seven furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed fourth in the Woody Stephens (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on June 7 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Formidable Man (City of Light), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2025 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, 2024 Hollywood Derby), worked five furlongs in 59.2 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 22nd fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he won the Eddie Read (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on July 27 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Gaming (Game Winner), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Del Mar Futurity), worked five furlongs in 59.4 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 24th fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he won the Affirmed going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on June 8 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Johannes (Nyquist), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Shoemaker Mile), worked four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 20th fastest of 84 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed ninth in the Fourstardave (G1) going one mile on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 2 for trainer Tim Yakteen.

Sacred Wish (Not This Time), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Matriarch), worked four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 53rd fastest of 62 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going five furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she placed second in the Matchmaker (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Monmouth Park on July 19 for trainer George Weaver.

Tenma (Nyquist), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Del Mar Debutante), worked five furlongs in 58.2 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the sixth fastest of 94 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Del Mar. In her last start she placed fourth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 2 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Arzak (Not This Time), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Shakertown, 2023 Woodford), worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Fair Hill on Saturday morning. It was the fastest of 56 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Fair Hill. In his last start he placed fifth in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Sprint going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Ellis Park on Aug. 3 for trainer Michael Trombetta.

Atitlan (The Factor), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2025 Charles Whittingham, 2024 Twilight Derby), worked five furlongs in 59.0 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 11th fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going seven furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed fifth in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) going one mile on the turf at Santa Anita on May 26 for trainer John Shirreffs.

Hit Show (Candy Ride), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Fayette, 2024 Lukas Classic), worked four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 130th fastest of 151 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the West Virginia Governor’s going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Mountaineer on Aug. 3 for trainer Brad Cox.

Simply in Front (Summer Front), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2025 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile, 2024 Music City), worked four furlongs in 47.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the fourth fastest of 151 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she won the Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Mile going one mile on the turf at Ellis Park on Aug. 3 for trainer Eddie Kenneally.

Sugar Fish (Accelerate), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Zenyatta, 2024 Summertime Oaks), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 55th fastest of 94 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In her last start she placed third in the La Brea (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Dec. 26 for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Air Force Red (Air Force Blue), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Joe Hernandez), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 51st fastest of 84 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Del Mar on Aug. 9 for trainer Leonard Powell.

Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint), worked five furlongs in 1:04.4 on turf at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the third fastest of eight works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed second in the Mighty Beau going five furlongs on the turf at Churchill Downs on June 7 for trainer Wesley Ward.

Brilliant Berti (Noble Mission), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Wise Dan), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the 22nd fastest of 34 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he won the Wise Dan (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on June 28 for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

Charlene’s Dream (Qurbaan), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Beverly D.), worked four furlongs in 51.2 seconds at Turfway Park on Saturday morning. It was the 63rd fastest of 67 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Beverly D. (G2) going 1 3/16 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on Aug. 9 for trainer Ed Moger Jr.

Dicey Mo Chara (Adaay), a Grade 2 winner (2022 San Gabriel), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 64th fastest of 84 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Aug. 2 for trainer Leonard Powell.

Giocoso (Not This Time), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Secretariat), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 42nd fastest of 151 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Secretariat (G2) going one mile on the turf at Colonial Downs on Aug. 9 for trainer Keith Desormeaux.

Grand Sonata (Medaglia d’Oro), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Kentucky Turf Cup), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 72nd fastest of 94 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in the Arlington Million (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on Aug. 9 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Honor Marie (Honor Code), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Kentucky Jockey Club), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 42nd fastest of 151 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed seventh in the Suburban (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on July 4 for trainer Whit Beckman.

Howbeit (Secret Circle), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Santa Anita Sprint Championship), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Los Alamitos on Saturday morning. It was the seventh fastest of 12 works at the distance. His previous work was 15 days ago going four furlongs at Los Alamitos. In his last start he won a claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Los Alamitos on July 6 for trainer Peter Miller.

Jody’s Pride (American Pharoah), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Ruffian), worked five furlongs in 1:00.5 at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the second fastest of nine works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she placed fourth in the Honorable Miss (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on July 20 for trainer Jorge Abreu.

Kehoe Beach (Omaha Beach), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Mrs. Revere), worked five furlongs in 1:04.2 on turf at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the second fastest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she placed fourth in the Connaught Cup (G2) going seven furlongs on the turf at Woodbine on July 20 for trainer Wesley Ward.

Look Forward (Bolt d’Oro), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Eight Belles), worked four furlongs in 51.4 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 82nd fastest of 84 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In her last start she placed fourth in the Test (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 2 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Post Time (Frosted), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Carter), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Fair Hill on Saturday morning. It was the 38th fastest of 56 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed sixth in the Whitney (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 2 for trainer Brittany Russell.

Quietside (Malibu Moon), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Fantasy), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 62nd fastest of 151 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed sixth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 2 for trainer John Ortiz.

Redistricting (Kingman), a Grade 2 winner (2025 United Nations), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 25th fastest of 62 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he won the United Nations (G2) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Monmouth Park on July 19 for trainer Chad Brown.

Richi (Practical Joke), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Santa Maria), worked four furlongs in 47.8 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 24th fastest of 84 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In her last start she placed third in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Del Mar on Aug. 2 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Sparkle Blue (Hard Spun), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Hillsborough), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Fair Hill on Saturday morning. It was the 28th fastest of 56 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going six furlongs at Fair Hill. In her last start she placed fourth in the Anchorage Overnight going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on June 29 for trainer Graham Motion.

Truly Quality (Quality Road), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Hollywood Turf Cup), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 51st fastest of 84 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed sixth in the San Marcos (G3) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Feb. 8 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.

Utah Beach (English Channel), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Elkhorn), worked four furlongs in 47.4 seconds at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the fastest of 34 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in the Sword Dancer (G1) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 9 for trainer Nacho Correas.

Watsonville (Jack Milton), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Mathis Mile), worked six furlongs in 1:11.2 at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the fastest of six works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed 10th in the Wickerr going one mile on the turf at Del Mar on July 19 for trainer Mark Glatt.

Durante (Distorted Humor), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2025 Aristides, 2023 Bold Ruler), worked three furlongs in 39.6 seconds at Churchill Training on Saturday morning. It was the slowest of 10 works at the distance. His previous work was four days ago going three furlongs at Churchill Training. In his last start he placed fourth in the Jeff Hall Memorial going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Ellis Park on July 20 for trainer David Jacobson.

Packs a Wahlop (Creative Cause), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2022 Zuma Beach, 2022 Del Mar Juvenile Turf), worked five furlongs in 58.0 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the second fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed sixth in an allowance race going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Aug. 2 for trainer John Sadler.

Pin Up Betty (Constitution), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2025 Mint Julep, 2024 Regret), worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 12th fastest of 50 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she won the Anchorage Overnight going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on June 29 for trainer Mike Maker.

Daisy Flyer (Mshawish), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Lake George), worked four furlongs in 52.2 seconds on turf at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the eighth fastest of 10 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she won the Lake George (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on July 26 for trainer Rusty Arnold.

Dean Martini (Cairo Prince), a Grade 3 winner (2020 Ohio Derby), worked three furlongs in 36.8 seconds at Colonial Downs on Saturday morning. It was the seventh fastest of 16 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Colonial Downs. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going 1 3/16 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on July 26 for trainer Lacey Gaudet.

Duvet Day (Starspangledbanner), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Cardinal), worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 135th fastest of 151 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Beverly D. (G2) going 1 3/16 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on Aug. 9 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Getaway Car (Curlin), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Best Pal), worked two furlongs in 24.0 seconds at Los Alamitos on Saturday morning. It was the faster of two works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in the Virginia Derby going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Colonial Downs on March 15 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Hill Road (Quality Road), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Peter Pan), worked four furlongs in 49.7 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 32nd fastest of 62 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed third in the Jim Dandy (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on July 26 for trainer Chad Brown.

Marksman Queen (Dubawi), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Robert G. Dick Memorial), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Fair Hill on Saturday morning. It was the 28th fastest of 56 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going six furlongs at Fair Hill. In her last start she won the Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Delaware Park on July 5 for trainer Graham Motion.

Mythical (St Patrick’s Day), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Adirondack), worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Monmouth Park on Saturday morning. It was the fifth fastest of 44 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Monmouth Park. In her last start she won the Adirondack (G3) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 3 for trainer Jorge Delgado.

Nitti (Make Believe), a Grade 3 winner (2025 San Juan Capistrano), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 80th fastest of 84 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he won the San Juan Capistrano (G3) going 1 3/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on June 15 for trainer Leonard Powell.

Ocean Club (Curlin), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Noble Damsel), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 41st fastest of 62 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed seventh in the Ballston Spa (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 8 for trainer Tom Proctor.

Royal Spa (Violence), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Shawnee), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the 29th fastest of 34 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Del Mar on Aug. 2 for trainer Rodolphe Brisset.

Running Away (Gun Runner), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Monmouth Oaks), worked five furlongs in 1:05.0 on turf at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the slowest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Monmouth Oaks (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Monmouth Park on July 26 for trainer Wesley Ward.

Ryvit (Competitive Edge), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Chick Lang), worked four furlongs in 51.4 seconds at Ellis Park on Saturday morning. It was the 29th fastest of 32 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in an allowance race going six furlongs on the main track at Ellis Park on Aug. 9 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Stay Hot (Summer Front), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Cecil B. DeMille), worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Del Mar on Saturday morning. It was the 82nd fastest of 94 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed third in the Eddie Read (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on July 27 for trainer Peter Eurton.

Sugoi (Karakontie), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Louisville), worked five furlongs in 1:02.4 at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 35th fastest of 50 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fourth in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Ellis Park on Aug. 3 for trainer Mike Maker.

Taking Candy (Twirling Candy), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Fair Grounds), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Keeneland on Saturday morning. It was the 22nd fastest of 34 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed fifth in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Mile going one mile on the turf at Ellis Park on Aug. 2 for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

Toupie (Uncle Mo), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Las Cienegas), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Fair Hill on Saturday morning. It was the 20th fastest of 56 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Fair Hill. In her last start she placed seventh in the Caress (G3) going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Saratoga on July 19 for trainer Graham Motion.

Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Fred W. Hooper), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. It was the 110th fastest of 151 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the R.A. Cowboy Jones going one mile on the main track at Ellis Park on Aug. 10 for trainer Brian Lynch.

Whiskey Decision (Into Mischief), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Eatontown), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the 40th fastest of 94 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Ballston Spa (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 8 for trainer Chad Brown.

Wild Bout Hilary (Midnight Lute), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Bayakoa), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Hawthorne on Saturday morning. It was the third fastest of nine works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Iowa Distaff going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Prairie Meadows on July 4 for trainer Tanner Tracy.