Journalism works five furlongs for Santa Anita Derby

Journalism, rated as Daily Racing Form’s early favorite for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 at Santa Anita on Saturday in advance of a scheduled start in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5.

Saturday’s exercise was Journalism’s second workout since a sharp win by 1 3/4 lengths in his 3-year-old debut in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on March 1.

Journalism worked a half-mile in 48.20 last Sunday.

“I think he needed a solid work to keep him in his routine,” trainer Michael McCarthy said of Saturday’s workout. “I saw what I wanted to see.”

By Curlin, Journalism has won 3 of 4 starts with all the wins at a mile or farther. After a third-place finish in a six-furlong sprint at Santa Anita on Oct. 27, Journalism won a maiden race at a mile at Del Mar on Nov. 17. In his stakes debut in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 14, Journalism won by 3 1/2 lengths.

Journalism races for the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Robert La Penta, Don Alberto Stable, and Elayne Stables 5 LLC.

The McCarthy-trained Bullard worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds on Saturday, his second workout since returning to training after he missed a start in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February because of an elevated temperature.

Bullard has won 2 of 3 starts, and was a well-beaten third in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Jan. 4 in his lone start this year.

McCarthy said he does not have any race plans for Bullard.

“We’re keeping all of our options open,” he said.

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