The morning after becoming the Kentucky Derby favorite, Journalism put in his final workout before the Run for the Roses on Saturday (May 3) at Churchill Downs.
There was quite a buzz on the backside as Journalism made his way to the track on Sunday (April 27). With jockey Umberto Rispoli aboard, the strapping son of Curlin worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.40 over a fast track.
“He was good today,” said Rispoli. “Very professional. He’s a professional horse; a pleasure to ride.”
Trainer Michael McCarthy was more than pleased with the No. 8 post – and work -- for Journalism in a whole field of 20 3-year-olds going 1 ¼ miles.
“I was very pleased with the work,” said McCarthy, who watched the work from the frontside with several of his clients. “Umberto was happy, so that’s good. He’ll just walk tomorrow. It’s all good for now.”
Journalism comes into the Derby on a four-race winning streak, most recently taking the Santa Anita Derby (G1), and with the Kentucky Derby betting odds on his favor.
Journalism works 5F in 1:01.40 for trainer Michael McCarthy pic.twitter.com/8nzZy6L6q5
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 27, 2025
He was made the 3-1 morning-line favorite.
Rodriguez works 5F in 1:00.00 for trainer Bob Baffert pic.twitter.com/PVIbyMxnQk
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 27, 2025
Publisher and Tiztastic, each at 20-1, drew posts 13 and 14, respectively, as Asmussen seeks his first Derby win. He comes in 0-for-26.
“It’s an ideal draw for both of them being next to each other,” Asmussen said. “They’ve been training together; everything is coming together perfectly. I just hope we can catch a day that’s going to be sunny and a fast track. We couldn’t be more excited.”
Publisher is the only maiden (a horse without a victory) running in Saturday’s Derby. A son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Publisher will attempt to become the fourth maiden to win the Derby. The others are Buchanan (1884), Sir Barton (1919), and Brokers Tip (1933).
Twelve maidens have run in the Derby since 1937 (records prior to 1937 are incomplete for non-Derby winners).
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.
