Journalism won the Grade 2, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, defeating odds-on favorite Barnes in the stretch. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism ran down Barnes to win by 1 3/4 lengths with a time of 1:42.24 on the fast main track. The victory earned Journalism 37 1/2 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.
Barnes, who was making his first start around two turns, finished as the runner-up in the San Felipe Stakes. Despite being second-best on the day, jockey Juan Hernandez noted that Barnes ran well, especially considering it was his first time going two turns. Journalism’s victory in the race earned him a total of 47 1/2 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.
Journalism, a colt by Curlin, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto stable, Elayne Stables 5, and Robert LaPenta. The win in the San Felipe Stakes was Journalism’s first start since winning the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December, improving his record to 4: 3-0-1 with $338,880 in earnings.
