Journalism won the Grade 1, $500,000 Santa Anita Derby under jockey Umberto Rispoli, trained by Michael McCarthy. He surged past leader Baeza to win by three-quarters of a length, securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Baeza finished second, followed by Westwood, Citizen Bull, and Barnes. Journalism, a Curlin colt, improved to 4-0-1 with $638,880 in earnings.
Because there were only five starters in the Santa Anita Derby, the Kentucky Derby qualifying points were reduced by 25%. Journalism and Citizen Bull were the only ones assured of berths in the Kentucky Derby, while Baeza needed help to qualify. Journalism faced adversity during the race but managed to rally and secure the victory with a time of 1:49.56 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.
Journalism, owned by a partnership group including Don Alberto stable, Bridlewood Farm, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, will stand at Coolmore following his racing career. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism had previously won the San Felipe and Los Alamitos Futurity races. Jockey Umberto Rispoli secured his second Santa Anita Derby win, while McCarthy celebrated his first victory in the track’s marquee race for 3-year-olds.
