Several promising thoroughbreds, including the former Kentucky Derby 2025 futures favorite Journalism, have been actively preparing for upcoming races. These horses, under the guidance of top trainers, have been engaging in rigorous training sessions at various tracks across the country. Notably, Journalism, who triumphed in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December, completed a five-furlong drill clocked at 59.8 seconds at Santa Anita. Additionally, other contenders like Brodeur, Built, and Bullard have also been making significant strides in their workouts, positioning themselves as strong candidates for the prestigious May 3 classic at Churchill Downs.

Journalism's Impressive Training Progress

Journalism, a Grade 2 winner from the Los Alamitos Futurity, has shown remarkable consistency in its training regimen. Under the watchful eye of trainer Michael McCarthy, this talented horse has been steadily improving its performance. The recent five-furlong workout at Santa Anita demonstrated Journalism's readiness for more challenging races ahead. This exercise was notably faster than many of its peers, indicating that it is well-prepared for the next phase of its racing career.

The horse's last victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity on December 14 marked a significant milestone in its young career. Since then, Journalism has continued to hone its skills with consistent and focused training. The latest drill, which was timed at 59.8 seconds, is an excellent indicator of its current form. Trainer McCarthy remains optimistic about Journalism's potential and believes that it can continue to improve as it approaches key races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The team is particularly focused on refining speed and endurance, ensuring that Journalism will be in peak condition for future competitions.

Rising Contenders Show Promise in Early Workouts

Beyond Journalism, several other promising horses have been making notable progress in their preparations. Horses like Brodeur, Built, and Bullard have all demonstrated impressive performances in recent workouts. Brodeur, trained by Mark Casse, turned in a four-furlong drill at Oaklawn, while Built and Bullard showed solid times at Fair Grounds and Santa Anita respectively. Each of these horses has unique strengths that make them formidable competitors in the upcoming derby season.

Brodeur, who won an allowance race at Oaklawn in late January, completed a four-furlong workout in 51.0 seconds. Trained by Mark Casse, this horse has been steadily building momentum. Similarly, Built, under Wayne Catalano's guidance, worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Fair Grounds, showing promise after placing second in the Lecomte (G3). Bullard, another standout, clocked a five-furlong drill in 1:00.8 at Santa Anita. With third-place finishes in the San Vicente (G2), Bullard has proven its competitive edge. These workouts are crucial as they provide valuable insights into each horse's capabilities and help trainers tailor their strategies for the upcoming races.