Journalism was made the 3-1 favorite for the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) in a full field of 20 3-year-olds, with only three entries at morning-line odds under 12-1.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism enters the 1 ¼-mile Derby at Churchill Downs on a four-race winning streak, most recently taking the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5.
“With a horse like him, he gives you a lot of confidence,’’ said McCarthy, who was happy with post eight.
Sovereignty, also a deep closer who won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), was the 5-1 second choice and drew the No. 18 post. Hall of Famer Bill Mott trains him and will be ridden by Junior Alvarado.
Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman, a deep closer, drew what might seem to be a good post at No. 17, but runners leaving from that post are 0-for-45 in the Kentucky Derby. Sandman, trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, was made the 6-1 third choice.
The odds for the rest of the field range from 12-1 to 30-1.
Six-time Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert is back at the Derby after three-year plus suspension by Churchill Downs, Inc., and has two entries – 12-1 Rodriguez, gate-to-wire winner of the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct, and 20-1 Citizen Bull, the 2-year-old champion who ran a disappointing fourth to Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby.
Both colts are front-runners, so Citizen Bull (20-1) and Rodriguez, leaving from posts 1 and 4, could be in a nice position with a smooth start.
Known around the barn as “King Kong,’’ Journalism will be ridden by top California rider Umberto Rispoli.
“My horse is as fast as well,’’ said McCarthy. “We’ll break away from there ... Umberto’s very tactical. There will be a good pace into the first turn as there always is, and we’ll just play the break.”
Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street was injured during a Saturday morning workout and is out of the race, allowing Render Judgment (30-1) to move into the field for trainer Kenny McPeek, giving him a chance to win back-to-back Derbies (Mystik Dan won in 2024).
The Japan entries, Luxor Cafe (15-1) and UAE Derby (G2) winner Admire Daytona (30-1) drew posts 6 and 7, respectively.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, 0-for-26 in the Derby, has two chances to end that streak – Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic (20-1, post 14) and maiden Publisher (20-1, post 13).
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher will send out his record-extending 66th Derby starter in Grande, the Blue Grass Stakes runner-up who drew the No. 10 post. Hall of Famer John Velazquez will be aboard.
Nine of the 20 horses are listed at 30-1 and five are listed at 20-1.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
