Journalism works five furlongs in prep for comeback

ARCADIA, Calif. - Journalism, one of the star 3-year-olds in 2025, had his fifth workout in the last month at Santa Anita on Sunday, moving closer to a comeback this spring.

Journalism worked five furlongs in 1:01.80, his third work this month at the distance.

“He’s showing he’s going the right way,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “His air is starting to come around.”

No specific race goals have been announced, McCarthy said after training on Sunday morning.

“We’re starting to think about some options,” McCarthy said.

One potential race is the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes, a $750,000 race at 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs on May 1, the day before the Kentucky Derby.

“It’s out there,” McCarthy said.

Last year, Journalism won such Grade 1 races as the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness, and Haskell. He finished second in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes against 3-year-olds and second in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar against older horses.

Journalism has not raced since a fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 1. Journalism was beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Forever Young, who won the $20 million Saudi Cup for the second consecutive year in February.

Journalism, by Curlin, has won 6 of 11 starts and earned $4,348,880 for a partnership that includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable and the Coolmore syndicate.

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