Journalism’s Preakness Decision Will Come On Entry Day
As time continues to tick away for the connections of Journalism to decide whether or not to enter the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner and Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course May 17, trainer Michael McCarthy returned to Kentucky May 11 to oversee the colt’s training.
With regular rider Marc Witkowski aboard, Journalism galloped just over a mile on the Churchill Downs track at 9:12 a.m. Sunday morning, about 2 1/2 hours later than usual. The son of Curlin ‘s schedule was adjusted to give McCarthy time to make it down from Keeneland, where he had a few horses on the work tab earlier in the morning.
“I don’t see a whole lot of difference,” McCarthy said about seeing the colt train in person for the first time since the May 3 Derby. “He’s a horse that carries a lot of substance, a lot of condition. He looked very, very good this morning.”
Despite the positive appraisal of the training, McCarthy was noncommittal on the Preakness. Entries are due May 12, with the post position draw at 7 p.m. ET. McCarthy seemed content to wait to file Journalism’s decision until the deadline.
“We’ll see what tomorrow brings,” McCarthy said. “Speak to everybody, get the partners all together, and decide tomorrow.”
Those partners are Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
“I’ll get with all of them to discuss the pros and the cons. See how everybody is feeling,” McCarthy said. “It’s a group of people who are all well-educated and well-versed in these kinds of things. They’ve been great. They’re very supportive of what we decided to do. As a whole, I’ll make a case yea or nay and hopefully they’ll follow suit.”
Michael McCarthy
McCarthy said the two-week turnaround does not concern him, given the colt started his career racing three times in seven weeks last fall. He won the last two of those starts, including the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). However, he did hint that he was weighing what the rest of the year would look like should he run.
“He’s a horse that’s proven he’s alright off short rest. I’m not too worried about the two weeks,” McCarthy said. “Just, you know, it’s a long year.”
As far as the competition is concerned, Journalism’s versatility would appear to be an advantage in a race that seems to have several pace contenders as well as closers.
“I’ve taken a peek at the probables, it’s a competitive spot,” McCarthy said. “It looks like there’s a little bit of pace in there, you’d expect that. It’s a Triple Crown race, you expect it to be competitive.”
