Kentucky Derby: Rain could delay Journalism's work a few days

Rain this week at Santa Anita is a minor glitch for Journalism, favorite for the Kentucky Derby after a 108 Beyer Speed Figure victory March 1 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. But weather and track closure could cause trainer Michael McCarthy to adjust Journalism’s work schedule. Journalism was tentatively scheduled to work this weekend. A day or two later would make little difference.

Meanwhile, Citizen Bull and Baeza, expected to face Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby on April 5, are working regularly after wins Feb. 1 and Feb. 14, respectively. Citizen Bull rolled six furlongs by himself in 1:12.60 on March 9; Baeza worked by himself the same day. He went an official five furlongs in 1:02.20, but the work did not end at the wire.

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“He had a steady five-eighths, but after the wire he went another three-eighths,” trainer John Shirreffs said. “It was a different type of work that hopefully sets him up for a more serious work next time.”

Jockey Hector Berrios worked Baeza, a sibling to Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch.

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