Kentucky Derby 2025: Journalism to return to track after electrifying win

Journalism was scheduled to resume training this week at Santa Anita, weather permitting, after a smashing victory March 1 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, his first start since Dec. 14, when he won the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity. Journalism won the San Felipe with a 108 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest San Felipe figure since California Chrome earned the same figure in 2014.

Even his understated trainer, Michael McCarthy, was impressed with Journalism.

“That was an impressive performance, an impressive effort off an extended freshening,” McCarthy said days after the win.

Although Journalism got sick and missed training in January, his February preparation for the San Felipe was uninterrupted.

“He’d come back and trained well, had a solid series of works,” McCarthy said. “He obviously picks up his game in the afternoon as well.”

Journalism, new favorite on Daily Racing Form’s Derby Watch Top 20, is likely to stay home for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5. McCarthy will consult with the colt’s ownership group before making a final decision on his next start, but Monday morning at his Santa Anita stable, the trainer noted “We are here.”

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McCarthy typically works his horses two weeks after they race. If Journalism follows the same pattern, he would have time for three workouts, starting March 15, into the Santa Anita Derby.

Blinkers off for Rodriguez?

San Felipe odds-on runner-up Barnes earned a 105 Beyer, higher than seven of the last nine winners of the San Felipe. Bob Baffert trains Barnes and San Felipe third-place finisher Rodriguez, who lost by more than 11 lengths.

The trainer said Barnes “got a little tired” in the San Felipe and that an equipment change is being considered for Rodriguez.

“We learned a lot about them,” Baffert said. “I’ve got to do some adjustments. That’s what these preps are for. We learn from them.”

Rodriguez wore blinkers in all four starts, but Baffert might take them off.

“I don’t think he needs blinkers; he’s a little bit anxious,” Baffert said.

Rodriguez’s starts include in-the-money finishes in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis and San Felipe. As of early this week, the next start for Barnes and Rodriguez was unspecified. Baffert confirmed that Citizen Bull remains on target for the Santa Anita Derby, a race in which Baffert could have multiple starters.

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