The horse named Journalism has recently achieved another significant milestone in his racing career by securing a dominant victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. This win marks his third consecutive triumph, solidifying his status as a rising star in the thoroughbred racing world. Owned by a consortium of stables and trained by Mike McCarthy, Journalism has shown remarkable improvement since his debut last October at Santa Anita. Despite an initial setback, he quickly bounced back with impressive performances, culminating in his latest success. The colt’s pedigree boasts a rich lineage, combining the stamina of Curlin and the competitive spirit of Uncle Mo. With this latest win, Journalism has amassed substantial earnings and Kentucky Derby qualifying points, positioning him as a serious contender for future races.

In the recent San Felipe Stakes, Journalism demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. Under the guidance of jockey Umberto Rispoli, the colt settled into fourth place early on, conserving energy for the final stretch. As the race progressed, Rispoli expertly maneuvered Journalism to the outside, where he unleashed a powerful burst of speed. Passing the tiring favorite Barnes like he was standing still, Journalism crossed the finish line with a commanding lead. The performance earned him high praise from both trainers and spectators alike, along with impressive speed ratings. This victory also netted Journalism 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points due to a reduction in the point allocation following the scratch of Berlin Wall.

Journalism’s journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. After a rocky start in his debut, where he struggled with the initial kickback from other horses, he quickly adapted. His next appearance saw him graduate successfully against maiden competitors at Del Mar, showcasing his potential. By the end of his two-year-old season, Journalism had already notched up a significant win in the Los Alamitos Futurity, defeating Getaway Car and Gaming, two highly regarded opponents. These victories highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different racing conditions.

Trainer Mike McCarthy, known for conditioning several Grade 1 winners, has played a crucial role in Journalism’s development. McCarthy’s expertise has helped refine the colt’s racing strategy, ensuring that he can compete at the highest levels. McCarthy’s past successes with horses like City of Light, Ce Ce, and Rombauer have set a high standard, and Journalism appears well on his way to joining this elite group. The trainer’s decision-making and tactical adjustments during races have been instrumental in Journalism’s consistent performances.

Looking ahead, Journalism’s next major challenge is likely to be the Santa Anita Derby on April 5. This race will serve as a critical test of his abilities and could potentially secure his spot in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With his classic distance breeding and professional demeanor, Journalism is poised to thrive over longer distances. His ability to rate behind horses and make decisive moves when necessary positions him as a formidable competitor. If he can maintain his current form and achieve a top-three finish in the Santa Anita Derby, Journalism may very well write his ticket to the Kentucky Derby, adding another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy.