Journalism works half-mile for possible Pacific Classic start

DEL MAR, Calif. - Journalism, winner of the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 19 and three other stakes this year, worked a half-mile in 48 seconds at Del Mar on Saturday for a potential start in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 30.

Journalism worked in company with stablemate Knicks Code, a 4-year-old colt who has yet to start. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism ran on the inside of the pair and was hard held throughout. Racing well off the rail entering the stretch, the two ran as a team to the finish, with Journalism finishing about a short head in front.

“Everything went smooth this morning,” said Aron Wellman, the managing partner of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, which co-owns Journalism.

Wellman said no decision has been finalized on Journalism’s next start. The $1 million Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles and the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Sept. 27 are two options leading to the year-end goal of the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 1.

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“We’re going to have some decisions to make and weigh the options of whether we run twice before the Breeders Cup,” Wellman said. “If we run once, do we run sooner and give him more space, or do we give him more space and run closer to the Breeders’ Cup?

“Those are nice considerations to be faced with.”

Journalism earned a fees-paid berth in the BC Classic with his win in the Haskell Invitational.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism has worked twice since the Haskell, beginning with a half-mile in 48.40 seconds at Del Mar on Aug. 9.

"From last week, Michael turned up the dials a little bit,” Wellman said. “The horse responded favorably. We’ll breeze next week and get a better idea which direction to head.

“We’re very pleased with his current conditions. Next week will be instrumental and clarify the path we go in.”

Journalism has won 6 of 9 starts and earned $3,798,880. In six starts this year, Journalism has won the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes in March, the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in April and the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes in May. He was second in the Kentucky Derby in May and Belmont Stakes in June.

Aside from Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Journalism is co-owned by Bridlewood Farm, Robert La Penta, Don Alberto Stable, and Elayne Stables 5 LLC.

The list of probables for the Pacific Classic is led by Nysos, who worked seven furlongs in 1:24.60 at Del Mar on Saturday. Trained by Bob Baffert, Nysos won the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles at Del Mar on July 26.

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