Preakness Preparation Continues As Derby Runner-Up Journalism Returns To The Track

[Wandering Eyes]

While he has yet to be confirmed for a start in the GI Preakness Stakes, GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) returned to the track at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning for Michael McCarthy, jogging once around. Justin Curran, who heads McCarthy's Louisville operation, said the GI Santa Anita Derby winner will gallop Thursday.

“He seemed happy. He came out of his race well,” said Curran. “Just like he's bounced out of every race. The rider is happy. And if the rider is happy, everybody else is happy.”

 

Journalism returned to the track @ChurchillDowns this morning for @mwmracing for the first time since a gallant 2nd in the @KentuckyDerby.Journalism is under consideration for the @PreaknessStakes w his energy, action & appetite being monitored closely in coming days. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/jUMlYyYmC2

— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) May 7, 2025

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music), who targeted the Preakness vs. the Derby, was also on track Wednesday for Todd Pletcher.

“He's doing well,” Pletcher said. “He galloped well this morning and is scheduled to breeze on Saturday at Belmont. I'm happy with his progress.”

Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify), who finished 16th in the Derby and is confirmed for the Preakness, had another scheduled walk day before he resumes training Thursday.

“It was a bit of a dogfight,” jockey Nik Juarez acknowledged of the Derby. “We had Citizen Bull, who broke outward. Two horses to my inside were impeded. I had to make a trip for American Promise the best way I could. Luckily, getting into that first turn, it was where we wanted to be, and he was able to avoid most of that trouble. There were many variables. It's the Kentucky Derby, you're dealing with that many horses. I just think he got a lot out of the race, and he's still American Promise.”

G2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P., who returned to his stable in England following that run, is scheduled to quarantine at Churchill Downs before vanning to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore Monday ahead of an expected start in the Preakness. Another confirmed runner, Pay Billy (Improbable), earned a spot in the Preakness gate by way of his win in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel April 19. Trainer Mike Gorham indicated the colt would have his final work on Thursday morning at Delaware Park with jockey Raul Mena aboard.

“I breezed him last Saturday just real easy, but tomorrow is going to be his real final serious work,” Gorham said. “Probably a good half and gallop out strong. He's been training good, galloping good all week long and acting good. Everything's going forward.”

Trainer Bob Baffert notified the Pimlico racing office that 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) would arrive in Baltimore Monday. Scratched from the Derby, the GII Wood Memorial winner will work this weekend according to Baffert.

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