Preakness Stakes 2025 Probables | Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Journalism Confirmed for Preakness

BALTIMORE, MD – It didn’t take long for trainer Michael McCarthy to approve the proposal to run Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism in the 150^th Preakness Stakes Saturday at Pimlico.

McCarthy flew back to Louisville, Ky. from his base in Southern California to take a look at Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s colt Sunday morning at Churchill Downs. By late afternoon, the ownership group headed by Aron Wellman announced that the son of Curlin was headed to the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

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After Journalism went out for another gallop at Churchill Downs Monday morning, McCarthy said that he liked what he found during the Sunday inspection and was convinced that the colt had come out of the Derby well and was ready for another test in the Triple Crown series.   

“I just wanted to make sure. I hadn’t seen the horse for a few days,” he said. “Wanted to come and make sure everything was as I would have expected it to be, and all good here. He’s had a couple of good mornings since I’ve been here. Very pleased what I’ve seen so far. He’s a horse that’s doing well. He’s thriving in his environment.”

Journalism was officially entered in the Preakness Monday. He will ship from Kentucky to Baltimore Tuesday. His regular rider, jockey Umberto Rispoli, will be aboard for the Preakness.

With four consecutive victories in California, topped by the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe (G2), Journalism was sent off as the 3-1 favorite in the Derby. He encountered trouble right away leaving from Post 4 when speedy Citizen Bull bore out dramatically from his rail post position to set off a chain reaction of contact on the inside of the 19-horse field.   

McCarthy said he has not been interested in watching replays of the Derby.

“I saw enough in real time. I’m pretty sure I know what was going on,” he said. “I think if I can have anything over again, I’d like to have the first 100 yards over. I thought the start was a bit unfortunate. I wanted to be five lengths off the lead. I think (track announcer) Travis Stone called him about 12 lengths off the lead going into the first turn.”

Journalism and Rispoli were able to recover, moved into contention on the second turn and surged to the lead early in the stretch. Sovereignty, who was following Journalism, pulled even in the stretch and won the race to the wire by 1 ½ lengths.

The Preakness is 110 yards shorter than the Derby at 1 3/16 miles, which McCarthy said is not a factor for him and his horse.

 “I don’t think it makes any difference,” he said. “I thought his mile and a quarter here was very good after getting pinched back at the start. He came with a big run around the turn and was still finishing at the wire.” 

Sovereignty is skipping the Preakness and being prepped for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. McCarthy said he welcomes another crack at Sovereignty, who he had considered a top contender in the Derby.  

“I thought when (Journalism) worked on Sunday on a very good race track it would take a very big effort to beat him on Derby Day,” McCarthy said. “The horse that I thought could beat him or thought we had to beat did.”

Entries closed Monday morning and the draw for post positions will be Monday at 7 p.m. ET at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore.