ARCADIA, Calif.—In an exciting race at Santa Anita, Journalism surged past the favored Barnes in the final stretch to claim victory in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on Saturday. With this win, the horse has positioned itself as a contender for the Kentucky Derby, scheduled for May.
Guided by jockey Umberto Rispoli, Journalism completed the 1 1/16 mile race in 1:42.24, offering a return of $8.20, $2.80, and $2.10 at 3-1 odds. Winning trainer Michael McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Obviously it’s nice to have a horse on the Triple Crown trail.”
Barnes, who was the odds-on favorite, returned $2.20 and $2.10 after experiencing his first defeat. The 3-year-old colt was part of a trio of entries from the renowned Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. Another of Baffert’s entrants, Rodriguez, finished in third place and offered a $2.10 payout. Mellencamp, also from Baffert’s stable, completed the race in fourth position.
In terms of points, Journalism secured 37.5 towards Kentucky Derby qualification. Barnes earned 18.75 points, followed by Rodriguez with 7.5 points, and Smooth Cruisein rounding it off with 3.75. The competing field was reduced to five after Berlin Wall was scratched earlier in the day.
Executing a strategic move to the outside for the stretch drive, Rispoli set Journalism in pursuit of Barnes, overtaking him as they headed into the concluding furlong.
Rispoli reflected on the race, saying, “He broke really sharp. He is the kind of horse that for the first furlong he needs to adjust himself. The trip was perfect. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Once I took him out and pressed the button he put on the beast mode.”
With this compelling victory, Journalism has become a significant player along the path to the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby.
