With the entry deadline approaching soon, the journalistic connection decides to wait, and the $2 million Preakness Stakes will begin on May 17th at Pimlico Racecourse, with the announcement of the Kentucky Derby presented by the Santa Anita Derby winner and Woodford Reserve Branger.
Trainer Michael McCarthy returned to Kentucky on May 11 to oversee Colt’s training. On Sunday afternoon, co-owner Eclipse Torrbred Partners announced that journalism will enter the middle gem of the Triple Crown via X.
They wrote that McCarthy “lit the green” to run at Preakness. Eclipse added, “We look forward to introducing our journalistic talent in Baltimore with such a coveted American classic.”
Riding regular exercise rider Mark Witkowski, Journalism ran over a mile on the Churchill Downs main track at 9:12am on Sunday, when it was about 2 1/2 hours behind normal. Carlin Colt’s schedule was adjusted, giving McCarthy time to collapse from Keeneland. There, there were a few horses in the workout tab early in the morning.
“I haven’t seen that much of a difference,” McCarthy said of seeing the Colt train in person for the first time since the May 3rd derby. “He’s a horse with a lot of substance and a lot of conditions. He looked very, very good this morning.”
Despite positive reviews of the training, McCarthy was uncommitted about Preakness after Sunday’s training session. The entry is scheduled for May 12th, with the Post Post draw at 7pm. McCarthy seemed content to wait until the deadline to submit a journalistic decision.
“See what tomorrow brings,” McCarthy said. “Talk to everyone, gather your partners and decide on tomorrow.”
But something changed the timeline and McCarthy and his partner decided not to wait anymore.
In addition to Eclipse Sorlarbred Partners, the ownership groups include Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert Lapenta, Elayne Stables 5, and Mrs. Includes John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.
“This is a group of people who are well educated and well versed in these types,” McCarthy said of his partner. “They were great. They’re very supportive of what we decided to do.”
McCarthy said the two-week turn doesn’t involve him, considering Colt began his career race seven times last fall. He won the final two starts, including Los Aramitos’ future. However, he suggested he was weighing whether he should run or not.
“He’s a horse that has proven he’s OK from a short rest. I’m not too worried about two weeks,” McCarthy said. “But you know, it’s been a long time.”
As far as competition is concerned, the versatility of journalism appears to be advantageous for races that appear to have several paced candidates and closers.
“I took a peek at the possibilities, it’s a competitive place,” McCarthy said. “It looks like there’s a bit of a pace out there. You’ll expect it. It’s a triple crown race, you expect it to be competitive.”
