Journalism - Kentucky Derby Context

Journalism established himself as the Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite, sweeping the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), San Felipe (G2), and Santa Anita Derby (G1), overcoming traffic trouble in the latter to extend his winning streak to four. He will bring imposing Brisnet Speed ratings to the Kentucky Derby, easily registering a field-best 108 stretching out to nine furlongs in the Santa Anita Derby. Journalism owns the tactical ability to make his own trip in a bulky field and has a lot going for him.

RELATED: Kentucky Derby News and Notes

OWNER: Journalism is campaigned by Bridlewood Farm (John & Leslie Malone), Don Alberto Stable (Liliana Solari Falabella & sons Andrea & Carlos Heller), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Aaron Wellman), Elayne Stables 5, and Robert V. LaPenta. Bridlewood will make their second Kentucky Derby appearance, co-owning Tapwrit, sixth in 2017, with Eclipse and LaPenta. Eclipse also co-owned Danza, who finished third in 2014. LaPenta, who has owned over 10 Kentucky Derby starters, recorded his best finish with runner-up Ice Box in 2010. Don Alberto will have their second starter, co-owning 2017 third-placer Battle of Midway.

TRAINER: After making his Kentucky Derby debut last year, finishing ninth with Endlessly, Michael McCarthy will be back at Churchill Downs with the favorite. A former assistant to Todd Pletcher, McCarthy worked for the Hall of Famer when he scored his first Kentucky Derby victory with Super Saver in 2010. McCarthy grew up near Santa Anita, and the Southern California-based conditioner opened his own stable in 2014. The 54-year-old won the 2021 Preakness (G1) with Rombauer, who finished third in the Belmont (G1) in his career finale.

JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli will make his third Kentucky Derby start, finishing 14th on Brooklyn Strong in 2021 and ninth aboard Endlessly.

BREEDER: Bred in Kentucky, Journalism will be the first Kentucky Derby starter as a breeder for Don Alberto Corporation, a large breeding and racing operation in Chile that has expanded its operations worldwide, purchasing Vinery Farm in Central Kentucky in 2013.

SIRE: After a troubled third in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, Curlin returned to win the Preakness and finished second in the Belmont (G1). The two-time Horse of the Year has developed into one of the world’s top sires, becoming the first to produce three individual American champions in the same year and three Breeders’ Cup race winners on the same day. Along with siring eight individual champions in America, Curlin produced 2017 Preakness winner Exaggerator and 2013 Belmont winner Palace Malice. And his son, Keen Ice, handed Hall of Famer American Pharoah his lone loss at age three in the Travers (G1). The Kentucky Derby is the one major prize missing from the resume of Curlin, whose son, Good Magic, sired 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage.

DAM: Journalism is the first foal to race out of Grade 2 winner and multiple Grade 1-placed Mopotism, who finished 10th in the 2017 Kentucky Oaks (G1). She’s by Uncle Mo, who was named champion two-year-old male of 2010 and proved to be an exceptional sire, siring 109 stakes winners and 15 Grade 1 winners, including 2016 Kentucky Derby hero Nyquist. By Indian Charlie, Uncle Mo has carried his prowess forward as an emerging broodmare sire, with last year’s Horse of the Year and Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna hailing from an Uncle Mo mare.

Join us for our upcoming LIVE blogs!

April 26 | LIVE open discussion with our experts before, during, and after the post position draw at Churchill Downs on opening night.

May 1-3 | LIVE coverage of Thurby, Oaks, and Kentucky Derby Day with exclusive up-to-date all-access trackside coverage. LIVE race odds, including Kentucky Derby odds, picks, entries for all the races, and so much more!

Don't miss a minute of the fun with your backstage pass to everything Kentucky Derby!