Journalism works easy half-mile for Breeders' Cup Classic
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ARCADIA, Calif. – Journalism, the multiple Grade 1 winner who ranks among the top 3-year-olds in the country, resumed serious training for the Breeders’ Cup Classic by working an easy half-mile Saturday morning at Santa Anita.
Winner of the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes and Haskell, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Pacific Classic, Journalism was timed in :48.20 for his solo workout after the 7:45 a.m. track renovation. Trainer Michael McCarthy was not looking for any more than Journalism gave.
“First work back, easy half, galloped out strong,” McCarthy said minutes after Journalism flashed past the Santa Anita finish under exercise rider Tony Gutierrez.
In his most recent start on Aug. 30, Journalism finished second to Fierceness in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Afterward, McCarthy and Journalism’s ownership group decided to forsake a final prep and train Journalism into the BC Classic on Nov. 1 at Del Mar.
“Nice little freshener,” is how McCarthy described Journalism’s short break since his last start. McCarthy added he is “very” comfortable with the decision to train Journalism into the BC Classic.
“Our record coming off an eight-week layoff is pretty good, and the horse’s record coming off an eight-week layoff is pretty good,” McCarthy said.
Journalism earned a career-best 108 Beyer Speed Figure in March when he returned from a 2 1/2-month layoff to crush the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. In seven starts this year, Journalism has four wins and three seconds. Overall, Journalism has won six races and $3,998,880 from 10 starts.
The early favorites for the BC Classic have completed their prep races and will train into the race. In addition to Journalism, those include Sovereignty, Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Mindframe and Antiquarian.
McCarthy also worked Grade 1 turf winner Formidable Man a half-mile Saturday. Winner of the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile his most recent start on Aug. 30, Formidable Man will train into the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Nov. 1.
Formidable Man, a two-time Grade 1 winner, has won eight races and $1,165,425 from 18 starts. His workout time Saturday was :50.80.
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