Journalism, Intrepido Headline Santa Anita Sunday Works as Derby Paths Take Shape

Trainer Michael McCarthy kept his options wide open Sunday after Journalism breezed five furlongs in company at Santa Anita, clocking 1:01.80 in the Curlin colt's fifth work since Feb. 22 and his first alongside a companion horse in that stretch.

"Nice solid work," McCarthy said. "I wanted him to go ahead and eyeball a horse today. I thought it was very professional and he finished up full of run. It seems like his air is coming to him now. We like what we're seeing."

McCarthy is now targeting one of three potential races to launch Journalism's 4-year-old campaign. The options are the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park on April 18, the Ben Ali (G3) at Keeneland on the same date, or the Alysheba (G2) at Churchill Downs on May 1. The Oaklawn Handicap and Ben Ali are both contested at 1 1/8 miles; the Alysheba goes at 1 1/16 miles. "All three of those races are in play," McCarthy said, leaving the door open across two tracks and a two-week window.

The flexibility reflects a horse who has earned the luxury of choices. Journalism enters 2026 carrying a resume that few older horses in the country can match. Last year the colt swept the Santa Anita Derby (G1), San Felipe (G2), Preakness Stakes (G1), and Haskell (G1), while running second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). He closed 2025 with a fourth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). Across 11 career starts, Journalism holds a 6-3-1 record and has banked $4,348,880 in earnings for owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, and breeder Don Alberto Stable.

Elsewhere in Sunday's works at Santa Anita, Intrepido posted a timed drill as his connections weigh late options ahead of graded stakes at the track, with the Santa Anita Derby squarely on the radar. Specific drill figures and quotes from Intrepido's camp were not immediately available.

With the April 18 races now less than four weeks out, McCarthy's next move with Journalism will reveal which direction the connections believe gives their colt the clearest path into a productive 4-year-old season.