Several promising three-year-olds, including Grade 2 winners Journalism and Bullard, along with Madaket Road, participated in timed workouts on Sunday. These horses are being prepped for key races leading up to the Kentucky Derby 2025. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism and Bullard both showed impressive times at Santa Anita. Meanwhile, Bob Baffert's stablemates Madaket Road and Romanesque also demonstrated strong performances. The workouts were part of a broader preparation strategy for these young thoroughbreds, who are aiming to make their mark in upcoming stakes races.

Preparation Underway: McCarthy’s Trio Make Impressive Moves

Trainer Michael McCarthy’s trio of Journalism, Bullard, and Madaket Road displayed commendable form during their respective workouts. Journalism, who claimed victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) last December, covered five furlongs in 1:00.8. This performance sets him up well for his next race, the San Felipe (G2), scheduled for March 1 at Santa Anita. Bullard, another McCarthy trainee, also worked five furlongs, clocking in at 1:00.6. His recent third-place finish in the San Vicente (G2) shows promise for his entry into the Rebel Stakes.

Madaket Road, under the guidance of Bob Baffert, showcased an even more impressive time, completing six furlongs in a bullet 1:12.0. This standout performance comes after he placed third in the Robert B. Lewis (G3). The horse's robust training regimen suggests he is ready to compete at the highest level. Both McCarthy and Baffert have meticulously planned the workout schedules to ensure their charges peak at the right time. These efforts underscore the trainers' commitment to preparing their horses for the challenges ahead.

Emerging Talent and Rising Stars: Other Noteworthy Performances

Beyond McCarthy’s and Baffert’s charges, several other contenders made notable appearances on Sunday. Chancer McPatrick, trained by Chad Brown, recorded a four-furlong time of 49.8 seconds at Payson Park. Despite placing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, this two-time Grade 1 winner remains a force to be reckoned with. Cornucopian, an unraced Into Mischief colt under Baffert, also turned heads with a swift five-furlong run of 1:00.2. These workouts reflect the competitive spirit within the Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

Romanesque, another Baffert protégé, matched Cornucopian’s time, demonstrating consistency and potential. Chief Liam, trained by Kenny McPeek, posted a solid four-furlong time of 50.0 seconds at Oaklawn. First Division, also from McPeek’s stable, achieved the same time, marking his first workout since his last race. Each of these horses brings unique strengths and backgrounds, contributing to the excitement surrounding the upcoming derby season. Their performances highlight the depth and quality of talent vying for top honors in the world of thoroughbred racing.