Journalism likely to skip Lewis; San Felipe Stakes possible as next start

ARCADIA, Calif. – Journalism, one of the top Kentucky Derby prospects in California, has recovered from a minor illness after his victory in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, but the brief setback will prevent the colt from launching his 3-year-old campaign as scheduled on Feb. 1.

Michael McCarthy trains Journalism, a 2-for-3 son of Curlin who has improved with each start. After his third-place sprint debut in the fall, he posted two decisive victories around two turns – a maiden win at Del Mar, and the Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 14. Journalism has not worked since.

“He spiked a temp after he ran,” McCarthy said Sunday, explaining the gap in works. McCarthy said Journalism has recovered. “He’s fine, he’s going to work next weekend (Jan. 18-19).”

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Journalism had been penciled in for the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, a mile race on Feb. 1 at Santa Anita. He will skip the Lewis. If Journalism stays home, his next dirt-route option at Santa Anita is the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile race on March 1.

McCarthy also trains Derby prospect Bullard, winner of the Grade 3, seven-furlong Bob Hope Stakes in the fall at Del Mar. Bullard, who subsequently finished third in the Grade 2 seven-furlong San Vicente on Jan. 4 at Santa Anita, will stretch out for his next start, which is to be determined.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull is expected to make his 3-year-old debut in the Lewis. Citizen Bull worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Jan. 11 at Santa Anita, his fifth drill since he resumed a regular workout pattern.

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