The expected Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite, Journalism, is in the house and went out for a gallop around Churchill Downs on Wednesday.
After arriving from California on Tuesday evening, the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner galloped 1 1/8 miles under Marc Witkowski during the training window (7:15-7:30 a.m.).
“It looked like he got over the track nicely,” trainer Michael McCarthy said.
McCarthy was unsure when his 3-year-old colt would put in a final work before the Derby on May 3. Rain was forecast for Friday, with less precipitation on Saturday.
“I’m handicapping the weather,’’ the trainer said.
Journalism has won four in a row since breaking his maiden at second asking on Nov.11. He followed up with victories in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), the San Felipe Stakes (G2), and the Santa Anita Derby on April 5.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, this gets a 10,” trainer Mark Casse said after Arkansas Derby (G1) Sandman posted his final work before the Run for the Roses. This statement could heat the Kentucky Derby odds for the gate draw.
Sandman, also considered a top Kentucky Derby contender, worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.40 with Froylan Garcia aboard.
"He is doing it with ease." K. Kilroy
Sandman puts in a maintenance 5 furlong breeze in 1:02.2 this morning under the TwinSpires for trainer Mark Casse. pic.twitter.com/rBkBE0CKzn
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) April 23, 2025
Casse watched from the grandstand.
“I think he grows every time I look at him,” Casse said. “He is more than 16 hands, more than 16-3.”
Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez, trained by six-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert, also arrived from California on Tuesday and galloped 1 1/8 miles; Baffert’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender Tenma also was out on the track ... Two other Oaks hopefuls worked Wednesday at Keeneland: Bless the Broken went 4 furlongs in 48.00 for trainer Will Walden; Early On went 4 furlongs in 48.40 for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. ... Baffert’s other Kentucky Derby runner, Citizen Bull, was scheduled to arrive Thursday (April 24).
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