Journalism Remains Head of the Class in Santa Anita Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

In possibly the most anticipated Derby prep of this year, Journalism (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo) proved he was the real deal Saturday in the GI Santa Anita Derby and will go to Louisville at the GI Kentucky Derby favorite. It was a field of just five in Arcadia, but it was a field bursting with quality, as the group stayed extremely compacted throughout. When last year's champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) sloughed off the ambitiously placed, but promising maiden Westwood (Authentic) for the lead, Baeza (McKinzie)-the half to Derby winner Mage and to Belmont winner Dornoch-joined him in the front as Journalism overcame trouble from the back to swing wide and wear his rivals down. Journalism flew down the middle of the track, catching Baeza and going right by him to win by about a length as Citizen Bull faded. It was approximately 10 lengths back to Westwood in third. Citizen Bull and the highly regarded GII San Vicente Stakes winner Barnes (Into Mischief) finished off the board.

Final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49 2/5. The Santa Anita Derby rewards points on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Sales History: $825,000 '23 'Yrl FTSAUG. O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Tbrd Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith & Michael B. Tabor; B-Don Alberto Corporation; T-Michael McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli.

Take notes, folks!

An impressive battle down the stretch with Journalism (Curlin) ultimately surging past Baeza to win the GI Santa Anita Derby at @santaanitapark.

Full steam ahead to the @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/ICPChQW9AV

— TDN (@theTDN) April 6, 2025

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