A cadre of promising racehorses has been preparing diligently for their next big moments on the track, with several notable performances in recent workouts. Among them, Journalism, a favorite in the pari-mutuel Kentucky Derby Future Wager, showcased his speed and endurance by clocking four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Santa Anita Park under jockey Umberto Rispoli. Trained by Michael McCarthy, this Curlin colt is targeting the prestigious Santa Anita Derby (G1) set for April 5. Other contenders such as Bullard, Madaket Road, East Avenue, Gosger, Neoequos, Tiztastic, Admiral Dennis, Kale's Angel, and others have also undergone rigorous training sessions across various tracks, displaying varying levels of fitness and potential.
In preparation for the Santa Anita Derby, McCarthy's stable includes two standout performers—Journalism and Bullard. Journalism, who triumphed in the Grade 2 San Felipe earlier this year, demonstrated exceptional form during his morning workout. His trainer described the session as "very good," while Rispoli expressed enthusiasm through gestures. Meanwhile, Bullard, another McCarthy protégé, returned to action after a four-week hiatus, completing four furlongs in 48.6 seconds. Although he hasn't raced since finishing third in the GII San Vicente in January, McCarthy remains optimistic about his prospects and keeps options open regarding his next race.
Beyond McCarthy’s horses, other trainers are ensuring their charges are ready for upcoming challenges. Bob Baffert's Madaket Road turned heads with an impressive 46.4-second sprint over four furlongs, marking the fastest time among 72 works at that distance. This Quality Road colt has shown consistent improvement despite placing second in the Rebel (G2) and third in the Robert B. Lewis (G3). Brendan Walsh's East Avenue also excelled, clocking five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Fair Grounds, which was the fastest of ten works at the same distance.
Elsewhere, Nyquist colt Gosger impressed with a swift five-furlong run in 1:01.6 at Palm Meadows, while Saffie Joseph Jr.'s Neoequos achieved the fastest time among twenty horses covering five furlongs at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Steve Asmussen's Tiztastic, however, faced challenges, posting a less-than-stellar 50.0-second time over four furlongs at Fair Grounds following his fifth-place finish in the Rebel (G2). Similarly, Brad Cox's Admiral Dennis recorded a moderate 48.6-second time over four furlongs at Oaklawn, reflecting ongoing development.
As these equine athletes continue honing their skills, anticipation builds for their showdowns in major stakes races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse brings unique strengths and stories, contributing to what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead. With dedicated trainers and skilled jockeys guiding them, fans can expect thrilling performances from this talented group vying for glory on the racetrack.